Definition

Verb phrase: - To watch or monitor someone or something carefully: To pay close and continuous attention to a person, object, or situation, often to ensure safety, security, or proper development.

Usage

This phrase is used to indicate a responsibility for careful observation. It often implies a temporary or specific duty of supervision. - It is commonly used in informal and formal instructions or requests. - It can refer to watching over people (e.g., children), possessions, or ongoing situations.

Examples

• Direct Instruction:
  • Could you keep an eye on my bag while I go to the restroom?
  • The manager asked me to keep an eye on the new intern during her first week.
• Describing a Duty:
  • Our job is to keep an eye on the security cameras throughout the night.
  • She kept an eye on the soup to make sure it didn't boil over.

Advanced Usage

• "Keep a close eye on": To watch with extra vigilance or scrutiny.
  • Investors are keeping a close eye on the stock market fluctuations.
• "Keep one's eye on": Can be used to mean to focus on a goal or objective.
  • Despite the distractions, she kept her eye on winning the championship. (Note: This is a related but distinct idiomatic use meaning "to stay focused on a goal.")

Variants and Related Words

• Watch over (verb phrase): To guard, protect, or care for someone.
  • The shepherd watched over his flock.
• Monitor (verb): To observe and check the progress or quality of something over a period of time.
  • Doctors monitor the patient's vital signs.

Synonyms

• Observe: To watch carefully, especially to learn something.
• Supervise: To observe and direct the execution of a task or the work of a person.
• Watch: To look at or observe attentively over a period of time.

Related Phrases

• Have one's eye on: To be interested in acquiring something or in someone romantically.
  • I have my eye on that dress in the shop window.
• Turn a blind eye (to): To pretend not to notice; to ignore deliberately.
  • The authorities turned a blind eye to the minor infraction.

Verb

1. follow with the eyes or the mind
   • Keep an eye on the baby, please!
   • The world is watching Sarajevo
   • She followed the men with the binoculars