English Reference
Idiom idiom

keep watch


To guard; to watch over someone or something.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

Please keep watch while I run inside to grab my keys.

CONTEXTUAL

The soldiers took turns to keep watch throughout the night to ensure the camp remained safe.

COMPLEX

As the storm intensified, the lighthouse keeper continued to keep watch over the turbulent sea, scanning the horizon for any vessels in distress.


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    cobbler, keep to your last

    One should not criticise matters outside one's field of expertise; one should mind one's business.

  2. 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.

  3. 03

    gift that keeps on giving

    Something with continuous (typically positive) consequences.

  4. 04

    keep a civil tongue in one's head

    To maintain a polite manner of speaking.

  5. 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.

  6. 06

    keep a cool head

    To keep one's cool; to stay calm.

  7. 07

    keep a lid on

    To keep something secret.

  8. 08

    keep a low profile

    To be discreet and quiet.

Last updated August 10, 2026