1.
before one's very eyes, firsthand, in person
Witnessing something directly and personally rather than hearing about it secondhand. Almost always used in the form 目の当たりにする (to witness firsthand).
事故を目の当たりにした。
I witnessed the accident firsthand.
被害の大きさを目の当たりにして驚いた。
I was shocked when I saw the extent of the damage firsthand.
自然の壮大さを目の当たりにすると、人間の小ささを感じる。
When you witness the grandeur of nature firsthand, you feel how small humans are.
USAGE:
Almost exclusively used in the fixed pattern 目の当たりにする (to witness, to see with one's own eyes). Carries a strong nuance of personal, direct experience — often of something surprising, shocking, or impressive.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 目の当たりにする: to witness firsthand
- 現実を目の当たりにする: to see reality firsthand
- 惨状を目の当たりにする: to witness a terrible scene firsthand