qui vive

Noun Phrase

WORDNET DICTIONARY

qui vive(n = noun.state) alert - condition of heightened watchfulness or preparation for action; "bombers were put on alert during the crisis"

is a kind of preparation, preparedness, readiness

has particulars: air alert, red alert, strip alert

qui vive, [F., fr. qui who + vive, pres. subj. of vivre to live.].

The challenge of a French sentinel, or patrol; -- used like the English challenge: “Who comes there?” [1913 Webster]

To be on the qui vive, to be on guard; to be watchful and alert, like a sentinel.

qui vive, n.

Idiom

on the qui vive on the alert; watching for something to happen.

Etymology

F, = lit. '(long) live who?', i.e. on whose side are you?, as a sentry's challenge

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