Keep an Eye on – Meaning & Usage Examples

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Let’s explore the saying ‘keep an eye on’ together, understanding its meaning, origins, and real-life examples.

Meaning of the Idiom

The idiom ‘keep an eye on’ is used to advise someone to watch or monitor something closely, often for the purpose of ensuring its safety, security, or proper functioning. It conveys a sense of vigilance and attentiveness, suggesting that the specified person should remain alert and observant in overseeing a particular situation, object, or individual. The phrase implies a proactive stance of responsibility and care, with the intention of preventing problems or addressing issues as they arise.

Origin of the Idiom

The origin of the phrase ‘keep an eye on’ is rooted in the literal act of visual observation, where someone would physically watch over something to ensure its safety or security. The expression likely evolved from the idea of using one’s eyes as a means of surveillance or monitoring, dating back to ancient times when people relied on visual cues to detect potential threats or dangers. Over time, the idiom became a common figurative phrase used to convey the concept of vigilant oversight or supervision.

10 Idiom Examples in Everyday Situations

1. While I’m away on vacation, could you please keep an eye on my plants and water them regularly?

2. Parents should always keep an eye on their children while they’re playing in the park to ensure their safety.

3. I’ll keep an eye on the oven to make sure the cookies don’t burn while they’re baking.

4. Security cameras are installed throughout the building to keep an eye on any suspicious activity.

5. Could you keep an eye on my suitcase while I go to the restroom? I don’t want it to get stolen.

6. The lifeguard keeps an eye on swimmers in the pool to ensure everyone’s safety.

7. During the party, I’ll keep an eye on the temperature of the grill to prevent the food from burning.

8. It’s important to keep an eye on your bank account balance to avoid overdrawing.

9. Could you keep an eye on the clock for me? I don’t want to be late for my appointment.

10. The teacher keeps an eye on students during exams to prevent cheating.

10 Quotes Featuring the Idiom

1. “The phrase ‘keep an eye on’ serves as a reminder that vigilance is key to ensuring safety and security in various situations.” – Unknown

2. “When it comes to protecting what’s important, remember that the phrase ‘keep an eye on’ is a reminder to remain vigilant and attentive at all times.” – Unknown

3. “The phrase ‘keep an eye on’ serves as a reminder that proactive observation can help prevent problems before they escalate.” – Unknown

4. “When entrusted with responsibility, remember that the phrase ‘keep an eye on’ is a reminder to exercise diligence and care in monitoring the task at hand.” – Unknown

5. “The phrase ‘keep an eye on’ serves as a reminder that attentive observation is essential for maintaining safety and security in various environments.” – Unknown

6. “When it comes to protecting what matters most, remember that the phrase ‘keep an eye on’ is a reminder to remain vigilant and alert.” – Unknown

7. “The phrase ‘keep an eye on’ serves as a reminder that proactive monitoring is essential for identifying and addressing potential risks and threats.” – Unknown

8. “When entrusted with a task, remember that the phrase ‘keep an eye on’ is a reminder to maintain vigilance and attention to detail.” – Unknown

9. “The phrase ‘keep an eye on’ serves as a reminder that attentive supervision is essential for ensuring the smooth operation of various processes and activities.” – Unknown

10. “When it comes to safeguarding what’s important, remember that the phrase ‘keep an eye on’ is a reminder to remain vigilant and proactive.” – Unknown

Idioms Starting From Letter K

Each and every letter of the English alphabet has hundreds of idioms. As in this post, we are talking about the idiom beginning with the letter K. There are many other idioms that also start with the ‘K’, which can be useful to you. We have gathered all the K-starting idiomatic expressions on a single page to make it easy for you to find the best and most useful idioms starting with the letter K.