open eyes Vs eyes open

Question

Hi Is there any difference between these sentences ? I'd like to know if both are correct. Dreaming with open eyes.Dreaming with eyes open.

AlpheccaStars · Accepted Answer

MarciaRenataIs there any difference between these sentences ?

Neither one is a sentence. Both are fragments.

"open eyes" can be an expression of being acutely aware of or knowledgeable in a situation. Here are some examples:
He entered into that contract with open eyes.

Every decision is liberating, even if it leads to disaster. Otherwise, why do so many people walk upright and with open eyes into their misfortune?
-- Elias Canetti

Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find that all was vanity; but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dream with open eyes, and make it possible.
-- TE Lawrence
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Some animals can sleep with their eyes open. (The position of the eyelids is open, not shut.)

Also, "eyes wide open" can also mean to be aware of the situation:

Keep your eyes wide open before marriage, half shut afterwards.
-- Benjamin Franklin

When you dream alone, with your eyes shut, asleep, that dream is an illusion. But when we dream together, sharing the same dream, awake and with our eyes wide open, then that dream becomes reality!
-- Anonymous

MarciaRenata · Answer

Thank you for the explanation. You're very clear =)

Well, the entire sentence would be: Reading is dreaming with open eyes (or) Reading is dreaming with eyes open.

I believe that in this case both could be used although open eyes sounds more suitable.

I would love to hear your comments on that =)

And thank you again for the help !

AlpheccaStars · Answer

Reading is dreaming with open eyes.

The other expression does not really work as a philosophical statement.

open eyes Vs eyes open

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