I keep tabs on my spending every month.
keep tabs on
idiomTo monitor; to keep track of; to watch.
Origin
disputed originSee tab (“tablet or slate used for keeping a record of accounts”).
The manager likes to keep tabs on the project progress to ensure we meet our deadlines.
The government agency continues to keep tabs on the volatile market, adjusting their policies whenever unexpected economic shifts threaten the stability of the national currency.
- 01
cobbler, keep to your last
One should not criticise matters outside one's field of expertise; one should mind one's business.
- 02
earn one's keep
To perform satisfactory physical labor or to provide other worthy services in return for remuneration, lodging, or other benefits; to support oneself financially.
- 03
gift that keeps on giving
Something with continuous (typically positive) consequences.
- 04
keep a civil tongue in one's head
To maintain a polite manner of speaking.
- 05
keep a close watch
to pay careful attention to a situation or a thing, so that you can deal with any changes or problems.
- 06
keep a cool head
To keep one's cool; to stay calm.
- 07
keep a lid on
To keep something secret.
- 08
keep a low profile
To be discreet and quiet.
Last updated April 17, 2026