ENGLISH
REFERENCE

keep one's head on a swivel

idiom
Meaning

To be on the alert, to be watchful.


Examples
SIMPLE

Keep your head on a swivel when you walk home at night.

CONTEXTUAL

The city is very busy, so you need to keep your head on a swivel to avoid getting hit by traffic.

COMPLEX

In a dangerous environment where threats can emerge from any direction, the guard must keep his head on a swivel to ensure the safety of his team.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    abound in one's own sense

    To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.

  2. 02

    ace up one's sleeve

    A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.

  3. 03

    act one's age

    To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.

  4. 04

    act one's age, not one's shoe size

    Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).

  5. 05

    afraid of one's own shadow

    Exceptionally timid.

  6. 06

    air one's dirty laundry in public

    To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.

  7. 07

    air one's dirty linen in public

    Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.

  8. 08

    albatross around one's neck

    A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.

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