Idiom
keep tabs on
Meanings
To monitor someone or something regularly to stay informed about their status, actions, or progress.
To track money, costs, or numbers closely so you do not lose control of them.
Definition
To keep tabs on someone or something means to monitor them regularly so you know what is happening.
If you keep tabs on someone or something, you watch, check, or track them over time. This is usually done to stay informed, prevent problems, or make sure things are going as expected. It often suggests regular updates rather than constant watching.
Examples
- I keep tabs on my package with the tracking updates.
- The manager keeps tabs on sales every afternoon.
- She keeps tabs on her kids online without being intrusive.
- We keep tabs on the budget so we don’t overspend.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes say "keep tab on" (singular), but the correct idiom is "keep tabs on."
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 idiom (verb phrase)s
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share updates, confirm plans, or check progress.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to mock someone or tease them in an unkind or cheeky way.
- drop the ball To drop the ball means to make a mistake or fail to do something you were responsible for.
- have a chinwag To have a chinwag means to have a relaxed, friendly chat with someone.
- face the music To accept and deal with the unpleasant consequences of what you have done or a difficult situation.