What is the meaning of "on the qui vive" ?
(K. Vaithinathasamy, Kumbakonam)
First, let's deal with the pronunciation. The first word "qui" is pronounced like the word "key", and the "i" in "vive" is like the "ee" in "fee", "bee" and "see". The final "e" is silent. The main stress is on the second word. I understand that soldiers in France who were on duty during the night used this expression. Whenever they saw a figure approaching or heard some noise, they used to shout "qui vive", meaning, "Who goes there?" or "Long live who?" The person approaching was expected to respond by saying, "vive le roi", meaning, "Long live the king". Since the sentinel on duty had to be alert, the expression "on the qui vive" is used to mean, "watchful" or "alert".
*With the elections around the corner, the police have been asked to be on the qui vive.
S. UPENDRAN
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