眉まゆに唾つばをつける

expression, ichidan verb

keep one's wits about one; be on guard; be wary of trickery

Idiomatic expression literally meaning 'to put saliva on one's eyebrows,' from the folk belief that doing so protects against deception. Used to describe staying alert and skeptical.

See also: 眉唾物 (まゆつばもの)

• 甘あまい話はなしには眉まゆに唾つばをつけて聞きいたほうがいい。

  You should listen to sweet talk with a grain of salt.

• 彼かれはいつも眉まゆに唾つばをつけているような慎しん重ちょうな人ひとだ。

  He is a cautious person who always keeps his wits about him.