hawk
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hawks and doves
Respectively, those who favor or support aggressive military action, especially regarding foreign policy, versus those who are inclined to more peaceful, diplomatic solutions. After the terrorist attacks, the hawks in Congress demanded a unilateral attack on the foreign nation, while the doves among them maintained that diplomatic sanctions would be effective for the time being.
between hawk and buzzard
Caught between two extremes or two factions. The settlers on the border of the two warring states found themselves caught between hawk and buzzard.
know a hawk from a handsaw
To be able to tell two things apart. The phrase comes from Shakespeare's Hamlet. Of course I know which twin is which, I know a hawk from a handsaw, after all!
have eyes like a hawk
To be very observant. Mom has eyes like a hawk, so she'll definitely notice if you sneak some of those cookies out of the kitchen.
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.
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.
watch someone like a hawk
If you watch someone like a hawk, you pay close attention to everything they do, usually to make sure that they do not do anything wrong. Some guys just sit there and watch her like a hawk, dead sure she's trying to cheat. If we hadn't watched him like a hawk, he would have gone back to London. Note: Hawks have very good eyesight, and are able to see small animals or objects from a great height.
have eyes like a hawk
miss nothing of what is going on around you.watch someone like a hawk
keep a vigilant eye on someone, especially to check that they do nothing wrong.have eyes like a ˈhawk
be able to notice or see everything: Mrs Fielding’s bound to notice that chipped glass. The woman has eyes like a hawk! ▶ ˌhawk-ˈeyed adj.A hawk is a kind of bird of prey (= a bird that kills other creatures for food), and can see small things from very far away.
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.
hawk
1. n. someone who supports a warlike U.S. defense policy. (Compare this with dove.) The hawks want to raise taxes and buy tanks.
2. in. to cough mightily; to cough something up. The cold has had me hawking for a week.
3. and the hawk n. the cold winter wind. (see also Mr. Hawkins.) Man, just feel the hawk cut through you!
the hawk
verbSee hawk
See also: hawk