on guard
Definition
- Adjective:
- Watchful and alert to danger or difficulty: Being in a state of caution and readiness to respond to potential threats or problems.
- Actively defensive or protective: Maintaining a defensive posture or mindset to prevent harm or deception.
Usage
- The adjective "on guard" describes a state of heightened awareness. It is typically used after a linking verb like "be," "remain," or "stay." It can be followed by the preposition "against" to specify the threat.
- Example: "Be on guard against pickpockets in crowded areas."
- Example: "The soldiers were on guard throughout the night."
Examples
- Adjective:
- The security team is constantly on guard for any suspicious activity.
- After the recent scams, investors are more on guard than ever.
- She remained on guard, not fully trusting the stranger's offer.
Advanced Usage
- "to be on one's guard": To be personally cautious and vigilant.
- In unfamiliar cities, it's wise to be on your guard.
- "to put someone on guard": To cause someone to become cautious.
- The strange noise put the campers on guard.
Variants and Related Words
- Guard (noun/v): The act or duty of protecting; to protect.
- The security guard was on duty. (This is a related but distinct noun usage.)
- Guarded (adj): Cautious and restrained, often in speech or manner.
- He gave a guarded answer to the reporter's question.
Synonyms
- Vigilant: Keeping careful watch for possible danger or difficulties.
- Alert: Quick to notice any unusual and potentially dangerous or difficult circumstances.
- Watchful: Observing someone or something closely; alert and vigilant.
- Wary: Feeling or showing caution about possible dangers or problems.
Related Phrases
- On the alert: In a state of readiness; vigilant.
- The police were on the alert for the escaped prisoner.
- On watch: Officially assigned to a duty of guarding or observing.
- The sailor was on watch from midnight until 4 a.m.
Related Idioms
- Let one's guard down: To become less vigilant or cautious.
- After a few peaceful days, she let her guard down.
- Off guard: Not prepared to face a challenge or surprise; unprepared.
- The tricky question caught him off guard.
Adjective
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vigilant
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on guard against con artists
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must remain on your guard in such a situation
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