keep an eye on sth

You are wondering about the meaning of the phrase keep an eye on sth, maybe you heard it in a TV show, movie or theater play. Although this idiom is not used very often, it enriches your capacity of expression and strengthens communication. In which case is the expression keep an eye on sth used and what is its meaning?

Meaning of "keep an eye on sth"

Meaning

The phrase "keep an eye on" is an idiom that is used to mean to pay close attention to or monitor something. It suggests vigilance and careful watchfulness, and it may be used when someone is tasked with a responsibility to keep watch over something.

Etymology

The phrase "keep an eye on" is thought to have originated in the 19th century. It is believed to have derived from the phrase "keep an eye open," which was used in the late 1800s to mean being vigilant or watchful for something. The phrase has also been used to mean to watch a situation closely and make sure things do not get out of hand.

Usage

The phrase "keep an eye on" can be used both in a literal sense and in a figurative way. In the literal sense, it is used to suggest that someone is physically keeping an eye on something or someone. In the figurative sense, it is used to imply monitoring, such as keeping an eye on progress, keeping an eye out for danger, or keeping an eye on the competition. It can also be used to suggest careful observation of another person's behavior.

Example Sentences

• I'm going to keep an eye on the kids while they are playing in the park.
• The police are keeping an eye on the suspect's movements.
• I'm keeping an eye on the stock market, just in case there are any changes.
• Keep an eye on your brother and make sure he doesn't get into any trouble.

Beyond the Literal: Figurative Language in Idioms

Idioms often use figurative language to convey a message that is not meant to be taken literally. For instance, the idiom "bite the bullet" means to endure a painful or difficult situation without complaint, while "hold your horses" means to be patient and wait. Other idioms, like "kick the bucket" or "pop your clogs," use euphemisms to talk about death.