unter vier Augen
in private, face to face (literally: under four eyes)
Intermediate Phrase
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Pronunciation
/ˈʊntɐ fiːɐ̯ ˈaʊ̯ɡn̩/
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Cultural Note
This charming idiom literally means 'under four eyes' — your two eyes and the other person's two eyes, meaning nobody else is watching. It's very commonly used in both professional and personal contexts when requesting a private conversation. The equivalent of 'behind closed doors.'
📝 Example Sentences
Können wir das unter vier Augen besprechen?
Can we discuss this in private?
Ich möchte mit dir unter vier Augen reden.
I'd like to talk to you face to face.
Das Gespräch unter vier Augen war sehr ehrlich.
The private conversation was very honest.