keep (a) (close) watch on (someone or something)

keep (a) (close) watch on (someone or something)

To monitor someone or something closely. Keep a close watch on this pot so that the soup doesn't boil over. I've asked the manager to keep close watch on Tom. I'm pretty sure he's been stealing from the register.

See also: keep, on, watch

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

keep a close watch on someone or something

to watch someone or something very carefully. Let's keep a close watch on Fred and his friends. I want to keep a close watch on the house across the street.

See also: close, keep, on, watch

keep watch on someone or something

to monitor someone or something. Keep watch on the lady in the big coat. She may be a shoplifter. Try to keep watch on the committee's work.

See also: keep, on, watch

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

keep a close ˈeye/ˈwatch on somebody/something

watch somebody/something carefully: Over the next few months we will keep a close eye on sales.

See also: close, eye, keep, on, somebody, something, watch

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017