Idiom
keep an eye on
To watch someone or something continuously and carefully.
Meanings
To watch someone or something carefully and continuously, often to protect them, supervise them, or monitor their condition or progress.
Definition
The idiom "keep an eye on" means to observe something or someone vigilantly. This can be done to ensure their safety, to monitor their progress, or to be aware of any changes in a situation. It often implies a responsibility to oversee or protect.
Examples
- Could you please keep an eye on my bag while I quickly use the restroom?
- The manager asked his team to keep an eye on the project's budget throughout the month.
- My neighbor offered to keep an eye on our dog when we go away for the weekend.
- It's always a good idea to keep an eye on the weather forecast before a long trip.
- She has to keep an eye on her younger siblings after school until her parents get home.
Common mistake
A common mistake is to confuse "keep an eye on" (to watch carefully) with "have an eye for" (to be good at noticing or judging something, like art or fashion).
Learn this in a path
More at B2 level
- Bob's your uncle Used to say that something will be easy or will happen exactly as expected after a simple step.
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share updates, confirm plans, or check progress.
- ballpark figure A ballpark figure is an approximate number or estimate, not an exact one.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to mock someone or tease them in an unkind or cheeky way.
- cheap as chips Very cheap; costing very little money.
More verb phrases
- step on someone's toes To avoid offending or interfering with someone's responsibilities or authority.
- call it a day To decide to stop working or doing an activity for the remainder of the day.
- read between the lines To understand the implicit meaning or unspoken message in what someone says or writes.
- make ends meet To earn just enough money to cover one's basic expenses.
- go the extra mile To make a special additional effort beyond what is expected.