A small, bright, or prominent eye that resembles a bead; used to describe someone with sharp, alert eyes.
From bead + eye (Old English 'ēage'). This compound describes eyes that are small, round, and gleaming like beads, often used in describing animals or people with intense expressions.
Beady-eyed creatures like shrews and weasels actually have excellent vision despite their tiny eyes—their small, bead-like appearance is a feature that helps them hunt effectively in tight spaces.
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