on patrol

on patrol

In the process of moving around some area in order to observe, inspect, or protect it. There are only two guards on patrol, so there should be plenty of opportunities to slip in undetected. Officers Smith and McCluskey, you'll be on patrol in the east district tonight.

See also: on, patrol

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

(out) on patrol

away from a central location, watching over a distant or assigned area. (Said especially of police and soldiers.) Officer Smith is out on patrol and cannot see you now. The soldiers who are on patrol on this snowy night must be very cold.

See also: on, patrol

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.