keep an eye on — to watch or monitor someone or something carefully
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to watch or monitor someone or something carefully
Pronunciation (IPA): /kiːp ən ˈaɪ ɑːn/
Example Sentences
- The teacher asked me to keep an eye on the class while she stepped out, but chaos erupted within seconds.
- I told my husband to keep an eye on the cookies in the oven, but he kept both eyes on the TV instead.
- Could you keep an eye on my laptop while I grab some coffee?
keep an eye on
VERB[/kiːp ən ˈaɪ ɑːn/]
to watch or monitor someone or something carefully
A babysitter has to keep an eye on three energetic kids at the playground.
Keep an eye on the target, like a hidden spy!
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This idiom emerged intuitively from the literal act of using one's eyes to watch over something. Beginning in the 16th century, the expression developed naturally as the eye became symbolically associated with surveillance and observation in English.
Breakdown
keep (maintain) + an eye (vigilant attention) + on (directed toward); the phrase combines the verb 'keep' with the noun phrase 'an eye' to express continuous watchful attention directed at a specific target or person.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The teacher asked me to keep an eye on the class while she stepped out, but chaos erupted within seconds.”
“I told my husband to keep an eye on the cookies in the oven, but he kept both eyes on the TV instead.”
“Could you keep an eye on my laptop while I grab some coffee?”
“The security guard was supposed to keep an eye on the building, but he was keeping an eye on his phone games.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.