English
Etymology
F. who lives? - a sentry's challenge
Noun
en-noun|sg=qui vive|-
- a state of heightened vigilance, especially prior to battle
#*"QUI vive!" The sentry's musket rings,
#:The channelled bayonet gleams;
#:High o'er him, like a raven's wings
#:The broad tri-colored banner flings
#:"QUI vive!" The sentry's musket rings,. The channelled bayonet #:gleams; ... "Qui vive!" How oft the midnight air. That startling cry has borne! ...Oliver Wendal Holmes. 1 - 23k
#*1917 Qui vive? Who passes by up there?
#:Who moves -- what stirs in the startled air?
#:What whispers, thrills, exults up there?
#:Qui vive?
#:"The Flags of France." Grace Ellery Channing
#*Were a tail black man to do the same, there is not one of us who would not immediately be on the qui vive. My sadness about the American estrangement just mentioned doesn't make me act any differently at such a moment, 2
Derived terms
on the qui vive -> alert
ru:qui vive
te:qui vive
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