watch like a hawk

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

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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