What is the meaning of the Filipino idiom Namuti ang mata?

• A. To be shocked or surprised.
• B. To be bored.
• C. To be sleepy.
• D. To be confused.

Answer: (A)

Namuti ang mata describes a sudden, vivid reaction of shock or surprise. When something is truly startling, the eyes are imagined to whiten or go wide, signaling disbelief or astonishment in a very visual way. This idiom captures that instant emotional surge, not fatigue, boredom, or confusion. So it’s used to say someone is taken aback or astonished by what they just saw or heard. For example, you might hear, “Namuti ang mata niya sa gulat nang makita ang balita.”