# keep one's head on a swivel

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/keep-ones-head-on-a-swivel
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To be on the alert, to be watchful.

## Examples

- Keep your head on a swivel when you walk home at night.
- The city is very busy, so you need to keep your head on a swivel to avoid getting hit by traffic.
- 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.

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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.