watch

be like watching grass grow (humorous, humorous)

if you say that watching an activity is like watching grass grow, you mean that it is very boring. To watch somebody fly-fishing is like watching grass grow.

See also: grass, grow, like

be like watching paint dry (humorous, humorous)

if you say that watching an activity is like watching paint dry, you mean that it is very boring. To me, watching golf on television is about as interesting as watching paint dry.

See also: dry, like, paint

clock-watching

watch the clock - to keep looking to see what the time is because you are eager to stop what you are doing. A lot of clock-watching goes on during the general lectures, especially in the second hour.

mind/watch your p's and q's (old-fashioned)

to make an effort to be polite. You always felt as if you had to mind your p's and q's with Auntie Lil.

See also: mind

Mind/Watch your step.

something that you say in order to tell someone to walk carefully. Watch your step, the floor's wet and it's a bit slippery.

See also: mind, step

watch your back (informal)

to be careful of the people around you, making sure that they do nothing to harm you. It's a rough neighbourhood so watch your back when you're walking around the streets.

See also: back

watch someone like a hawk

to watch someone very carefully, especially because you expect them to do something wrong. I was being watched like a hawk by the shop assistant.

See also: hawk, like

watch your step

to make sure that you do not say or do anything that causes you to get into trouble. He'd better watch his step if he wants to carry on working here.

See also: step

watch the clock

to keep looking to see what the time is because you are eager to stop what you are doing. I can tell if a film isn't holding my attention because I find myself watching the clock and changing position a lot.

See also: clock

Watch this space.

something that you say which means that you think there will soon be exciting changes in a situation. I have plans for my career. Watch this space.

See also: space, this

watch someone/something with an eagle eye

to watch someone or something very closely and carefully. The teacher was watching the children with an eagle eye, making sure they behaved themselves.

See also: eagle, eye

A watched pot never boils.

something that you say which means if you wait anxiously for something to happen, it seems to take a very long time. There's no point sitting by the phone waiting for it to ring. A watched pot never boils.

See also: boil, never, pot

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keep (a) close watch on someone/something

to guard or follow carefully someone or something. With an international team keeping close watch on polling stations, voters chose from an array of 12 candidates. Republicans are warning the president to keep a close watch on spending.

Usage notes: sometimes used in the form keep a watch on: He wants to keep a watch on who comes and goes from the office.

keep an eye out (for someone/something)

See also: close, keep

watch your back

to be careful of what is happening around you. You have to watch your back all the time in this neighborhood.

watch your step

See also: back

watch someone like a hawk

to look at someone very carefully. She had a horrible boss who watched everyone like a hawk.

Usage notes: usually said about someone who looks for people to do something wrong

Etymology: based on the idea that a hawk (= type of bird) can see small objects from great distances

See also: hawk, like

watch out

be aware. They say a storm is coming, so watch out and don't take any chances.

Usage notes: sometimes used as an order: Andy saw the car coming toward them, and yelled, “Watch out!”

look out

watch out for someone/something

1. to feel responsibility for someone or something. Carol's father made me promise I'd watch out for her and make sure she had whatever she needed.

2. to be aware of someone or something. I used to tell everyone, “Watch out for this girl. She's going to be a great tennis player one day.”

3. to be careful in order to avoid a problem. You've got to watch out for viruses when downloading files to your computer. Watch out for that dog — he's not very friendly.

watch over someone/something

to protect and feel responsible for the care of someone or something. She had to watch over her four young children. He watched over his vegetable garden, trying to think up ways to keep the deer away from it.

See also: over

watch your step

to be careful in a situation that could be dangerous. You have to watch your step when you're dealing with him, as he has an awful temper.

watch your back

See also: step