watch (someone or something) like a hawk
To watch someone or something very closely. Hawks, like all birds of prey, are known for having extremely acute vision. Ms. Finnegan was watching me like a hawk during that entire test. Did she think I was going to cheat? I've been watching the site like a hawk to see if the price goes down, but so far it's only decreased by a few dollars.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
watch someone or something like a hawk
Fig. to watch someone or something very carefully. The teacher watched the pupils like a hawk to make sure they did not cheat on the exam. We had to watch our dog like a hawk in case he ran away.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
watch like a hawk
Observe very closely, as in I was watching him like a hawk, but I never did see him take your wallet. This simile alludes to the hawk's exceptionally keen sight.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
watch somebody/something like a ˈhawk
watch somebody/something very carefully: Unless you watch him like a hawk, he’ll go off without finishing the work. OPPOSITE: turn a blind eye (to something)A hawk is a bird that kills other creatures for food, and can see small things from very far away.
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