ENGLISH
REFERENCE

watch it

idiom
Meaning

To be careful or cautious; to pay attention to what one is doing (usually imperative).


Examples
SIMPLE

Watch it, the floor is very slippery.

CONTEXTUAL

You should watch it when you walk through that construction site because of the falling debris.

COMPLEX

The guide warned the hikers to watch it as they navigated the narrow, crumbling path along the edge of the steep cliff.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    keep a close watch

    to pay careful attention to a situation or a thing, so that you can deal with any changes or problems.

  2. 02

    keep watch

    To guard; to watch over someone or something.

  3. 03

    on one's watch

    During the period of time when one is in a position of authority or responsibility.

  4. 04

    set one's watch back

    To ponder or experience a past time.

  5. 05

    set one's watch by someone

    To know the current time by observing a very punctual and reliable person going about their regular routine.

  6. 06

    watch one's language

    To be careful about what one says, in particular the avoidance of foul language.

  7. 07

    watch one's mouth

    To be careful about what one says, especially with regard to disrespectful or profane language.

  8. 08

    watch one's step

    To be cautious.

Last updated April 17, 2026