hawk (redirected from hawkishness)

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.

See also: like, watch

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have eyes like a hawk

if someone has eyes like a hawk, they notice everything The supervisor has eyes like a hawk, so be careful she doesn't catch you eating at your desk.

See also: eye, have, like

watch somebody 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: like, watch

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watch somebody 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: like, watch