ENGLISH
REFERENCE

watch over

idiom
Meaning

To guard and protect.


Examples
SIMPLE

Can you watch over my bag while I buy coffee?

CONTEXTUAL

The nurse promised to watch over the patient through the night and call if anything changed.

COMPLEX

Standing on the cliff's edge, the old lighthouse keeper had spent forty years watching over the treacherous waters, guiding ships safely home.

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 it

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

  7. 07

    watch one's language

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

  8. 08

    watch one's mouth

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

Last updated April 17, 2026