Eye of the Tiger

MEANING: When you say someone has the "eye of the tiger", you are talking about someone who is focused, confident, and has the look of being intense, somewhat cold but very fierce with a never say die attitude.

ORIGIN: The phrase refers to the fierceness and strength of the tiger.

In the wild, seeing the “eyes” of the tiger signifies death, because right before a tiger attacks, it turns its ears forward so that the spot on the back of each ear faces nearer its prey. The “eye spots” on the back of tigers’ ears serve to confuse predators and reduce the risk of attack from behind. Hence, once someone sees these “eyes”, the tiger is about to attack.

The phrase became popularized with the song Eye of the Tiger, an 80's hit performed by the band Survivor. It was written at the request of actor Sylvester Stallone to become the theme song for the movie Rocky III.

In the movie, Rocky Balboa is shown resting on his laurels, living the good life, doing American Express commercials and photo-ops and slacking off his training regimen. In stark contrast were scenes of the ominous Mr. T, training hard, sweating, bleeding and pouring out every last ounce of effort to become the boxing champion of the world. After the death of Rocky's trainer Mickey, played by Burgess Meredith, Rocky's friend (and former rival) Apollo Creed, played by Carl Weathers, implores Rocky to get back "The Eye Of The Tiger," meaning his edge and his hunger to be the champ. This mentality will eventually lead Rocky toward his greatness and acceptance when he utters the iconic words, GO FOR IT!

The Eye of the Tiger phrase has become a powerful call of action among people in physical therapy, athletes and anyone who are facing a challenge and seeking motivation to strive for their goals.

When you have the "Eye Of The Tiger", you are believing that you can and just like the Tiger, you WILL!