# keep an eye on

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/keep-an-eye-on
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To watch and pay attention to, in case of misbehaviour or mishap.

## Examples

- Please keep an eye on the soup while I step out.
- The teacher asked a parent to keep an eye on the children during the school trip.
- The detective instructed his partner to keep an eye on the suspect's apartment, noting every visitor who approached the door.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.