If you were a Anomalocaris, amagnolia green jumper or had an artificial eye like the evil character in James Bond’s Golden Eye, you might be able to literally keep your eye on something.
The origins of this phase comes from the idea of being able to keep a person’s attention on a task, person or activity while they are busy doing something else.
So as a parent I might be doing some work at home and at the same time watching my kids, although I am focused on my work I am also keeping an eye on my kids as well.
Meaning:
The meaning of this is to keep watch, monitor someone or something. It can also have a meaning where we are “mentally” giving attention to an idea while doing something else.
Example of “Keep an eye on”:
- My English teacher always kept an eye on his students and if they seemed to be struggling with their lesson, he would take the time to explain.
- My boss kept an eye on the costs as they were increasing and our revenues were going down.
Dialog:
Shannon: Steve, I am starting to have a lot of concern about Billy’s cold. He has a fever now and he does not seem to be getting any better.
Steve: Really? OK. How long has he had the fever and what is the temperature?
Shannon: The fever just started, I guess maybe about 2 hours.
Steve: Ok. I think we should see how he is feeling tomorrow and then maybe take him to the doctor.
Shannon: Yeah, I guess it is too early to panic.
Steve: Yep, we will keep an eye on it and then call the doctor if he is not feeling any better.
Shannon: In the mean time I am going to keep track of his temperature and keep an eye on him throughout the night.
Steve: Don’t worry, I am sure it is just a flu bug.
Other words you can create: noun, verb, adjective, adverb, etc (ex: mug – mugger):
Watch
Search
Probe
Scavenge
Examine
Monitor
Attentive
Mindful
Oversee
Supervise
Guard
Attentive
Superintend
Collocations:
I am going to keep an eye on them.
You had better keep an eye on him.
Related phrasal verbs:
Go through
We use this phrasal verb to describe the process of examining or looking at something very carefully.
- We will need to go through the information and keep an eye on the fluctuations.
Look out for
In the context of keep an eye on, this phrasal verb is used to be on guard and aware of something or someone.
- Please ensure you keep an eye on the door and be on the lookout for anything suspicious.
Watch over
Generally when we use this phrasal verb it is in the context of ensure someone or something remains safe.
- My grandmother would always watch over us and keep an eye on my younger brother especially as he was a very curious little boy.
Pay attention to
When we pay attention to something we watch, listen, and focus on something or someone very carefully.
- When you are driving please pay attention to the road signs and also keep an eye on your speed as there are many police out tonight.
Keep abreast of
When we stay informed or aware of someone, something or a situation we say we are keeping abreast of.
- Please keep me abreast of the situation and also we will need to keep an eye on the local flooding potential.
Keep track of
Similar to keep abreast, keep track is a little more informal and it means to follow or monitor someone, something or situation.
- As we are keeping track of the number of employees who.
Stay on top of
When we stay on top of something we watch and monitor it carefully.
- We need to keep an eye out for any changes in flights and stay on top of any possible changes in the weather that might affect our plans.
Related idioms:
Keep an eye open for
Be aware of any changes or recognize a possible change.
Keep your eye on the ball
This means to stay focused an alert.
Mind the store
This is an idiom we use to describe a situation where we need to watch something or someone temporarily.
Keep tabs on
This is an idiom to describe monitoring someone of somethings movements or changes in activities.
Ride herd on
This is generally an American idiom that is used to describe watching or controlling someone or something carefully.
Synonyms (other ways to say):
Have one’s eye on
Keep in view
Keep under surveillance
Mindful of
Attentive to
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