Be seeing/hearing things

phrase

Believe that you are perceiving something that is not really there, usually due to a shock or surprises.

I thought I saw a ghost in the room, but I must have been seeing things.

Visual representation of "be seeing/hearing things" - Believe that you are perceiving something that is not really there, usually due to a shock or surprises

Often appears as...

must be seeing things
probably just seeing things

Usage tips

Idiomatic

phrase

Misinterpret what one sees.

I thought I saw marks on the paper, I must be seeing things.

Often appears as...

must be seeing things
probably just seeing things

Usage tips

Idiomatic

phrase

Believe that you are hearing something that is not really there, usually due to shock or confusion.

I thought I heard a voice in my room. I must be hearing things.

Visual representation of "be seeing/hearing things" - Believe that you are hearing something that is not really there, usually due to shock or confusion

Often appears as...

must be hearing things
probably just hearing things

Usage tips

Idiomatic

phrase

Believe that you are perceiving something that is not really there, usually due to a shock or surprises.

I thought I saw a ghost in the room, but I must have been seeing things.

Often appears as...

must be seeing things
probably just seeing things

Usage tips

Idiomatic

phrase

Misinterpret what one sees.

I thought I saw marks on the paper, I must be seeing things.

Often appears as...

must be seeing things
probably just seeing things

Usage tips

Idiomatic

phrase

Believe that you are hearing something that is not really there, usually due to shock or confusion.

I thought I heard a voice in my room. I must be hearing things.

Often appears as...

must be hearing things
probably just hearing things

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 3

Visual representation of "be seeing/hearing things"

Pro Tip 1/3

Illusion Perception

Used when someone thinks they see something unreal or non-existent, often from surprise or shock.

After the magic show, I was seeing things all evening.

Pro Tip 2/3

Not Literal

The phrase isn't about actual visual abilities but perceptions influenced by mental state.

I've been so sleep-deprived that I'm starting to see things.

Pro Tip 3/3

Informal Expression

Mostly used in casual conversations, rarely in formal contexts.

When I saw the deal price, I thought I must be seeing things.

Visual representation of the word "Be seeing/hearing things"

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