kiːp ən aɪ ɒn
Body Parts
neutral
beginner
- Literally:
- To keep one's eye directed at something
What does "keep an eye on" mean?
- To watch or monitor something carefully
- To look after or supervise
Examples
- Can you keep an eye on my bag while I'm away?
- Keep an eye on the market trends.
- She keeps an eye on her elderly neighbor.
Origin
Simple metaphor of using one's eye to watch over something. An essential part of vigilance and care.
How to use it
Very common and versatile. Used for both physical watching and monitoring situations.
Similar expressions
watch
monitor
observe
look after
Opposites
ignore
neglect
overlook
Related idioms
- heart of gold
A very kind, generous, and caring nature
- caught red-handed
Caught in the act of doing something wrong
- keep your chin up
To stay positive and not be discouraged
- wrap your head around something
To understand something complex
- all ears
Listening attentively and eagerly
- bite your tongue
To stop oneself from saying something
Use it in a practice answer
Try "keep an eye on" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.