guard (redirected from keeps guard)

*on (one's) guard (against someone or something)

alert against someone or something. (*Typically: be ~; keep ~; remain ~; stay ~.) Try to stay on guard against pickpockets. I am always on my guard. Be on guard when you go into the city.

catch someone off guard and catch one off (one's) guard

Fig. to catch a person at a time of carelessness. Tom caught Ann off guard and frightened her. She caught me off my guard, and my hesitation told her I was lying.

See also: catch

guard someone or something from someone or something

to protect someone or something from someone or something. The assistant manager will guard your valuables from thieves. She guarded the kitten from the angry dog.

guard against someone or something

to take care to avoid someone or something. Try to guard against getting a cold. You should guard against pickpockets.

See also: against

let one's guard down

Fig. to stop guarding oneself against trouble; to relax one's vigilance. He never lets his guard down because he trusts no one.

See also: let

put one on one's guard

to make one wary or cautious. The menacing growl by the watchdog put me on my guard. Every time the boss comes around, it puts me on my guard.

See also: one, put

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be on (your) guard

to be careful to avoid being tricked or getting into a dangerous situation I feel I have to be on my guard with her because she's always trying to get information out of me. (often + against ) Shop assistants must always be on guard against shoplifters.

catch/take somebody off guard

to surprise someone by doing or saying something they were not expecting One of the larger airlines caught its rivals off guard yesterday by suddenly announcing a cut in fares. When they asked me to babysit, I was taken off guard and found myself agreeing to it.

See also: catch

drop/lower your guard

to stop being careful to avoid danger or difficulty Once he knew I wasn't a journalist, he dropped his guard and even let me take a photograph of him.

See also: drop

the old guard

a group of people who have worked in an organization for a long time and do not want it to change She has tried to resist attempts by the old guard to halt the reform process.

See also: old

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catch somebody off guard

to surprise someone He's used to being interviewed and it seems that no question catches him off guard.

See also: catch

catch somebody off guard

to surprise someone One of the larger airlines caught the competition off guard yesterday by announcing a cut in fares.

See also: catch

drop your guard also lower your guard

to stop being careful about sharing your ideas or feelings Once he knew I wasn't a journalist, he dropped his guard and even let me take a photograph of him.

See also: drop

on your guard

to be careful and aware because a situation might be dangerous I resent this attitude that you can't trust anybody, that you always have to be on your guard.