# on the qui vive

> English word · Adverb

## Definitions
1. In a state of heightened vigilance, especially prior to battle.

## Etymology
Partial calque of French sur le qui-vive (“in a state of heightened vigilance”).

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-09-03.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/on-the-qui-vive