Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
to watch one's back

to watch one's back

104 6.8
Be careful about people who might try to harm you
  • phrasal verb
  • Informal
translation icon : cuidarse
  • Armstrong said to watch my back around here.
  • better watch your back
  • watch each other's backs
  • just watch your back

Examples

  • Of course, you'll have to watch your back.

    Fiction book (1990)

  • That's what you hired me for, to watch your back.

    Any Given Sunday (1999)

  • So you better watch your back.

    Lord of the Streets (2022)

  • You better watch your back, man!

    Lock Up (1989)

  • You could use someone to watch your back.

    Fiction book (1991)

  • My agenda is to watch your back.

    Fiction book (1997)

  • Looks like you seniors better watch your backs.

    Fiction book (1999)

  • If that's the case, you best be watching your back.

    Save the Last Dance (2001)

  • Everybody watch your backs.

    Bloodsuckers (2005)

  • In a dangerous neighborhood, it's wise to always watch your back when walking alone.

Synonyms

to watch out
vsto watch one's back
  • Informal
582 3.0

To be careful to avoid danger or trouble

is aimed specifically at danger from people rather than any immediate hazard
to look out
vsto watch one's back
153 1.6

Watch for danger or trouble

often warns about human threats and ongoing caution instead of single hazards
to beware
vsto watch one's back
136 4.1

Be careful and watch for danger

has a personal sense of protecting oneself from other people's threats
to keep an eye out
vsto watch one's back
  • Informal
134 3.2

Watch carefully for someone or something

is about protecting against possible harm caused by other people
to keep one's eyes open
vsto watch one's back
97 3.8

Watch carefully for danger or a chance

focuses more on avoiding harm from other people than spotting chances
to watch it
vsto watch one's back
  • Informal
85 5.6

Be careful to avoid danger or upsetting someone

is used for personal caution about others trying to harm or betray you
to look over one's shoulder
vsto watch one's back
54 7.0

Act in a careful, nervous way because you fear being watched or followed

is cautious without the strong fear of being followed or observed
to keep watch
vsto watch one's back
30 3.1

To stay alert and watch for danger or trouble

is about personal caution against others rather than formal security duty
to stay alert
vsto watch one's back
28 3.4

To watch carefully so you notice danger or changes

is focused on threats from other people rather than general awareness
watch your ass
vsto watch one's back
  • Offensive
6 9.9

Be very careful because you could get into trouble

is a neutral way to advise caution about threats from other people
to be on one's toes
vsto watch one's back
1 6.3

To stay alert and ready for anything that might happen

is more about avoiding harm from other people rather than general readiness
to keep an eye peeled
vsto watch one's back
  • Informal
1 6.0

Watch carefully for something you expect to see

is broader caution about threats from people rather than searching for specifics
on one's guard
vsto watch one's back
4.7

Alert and ready to deal with danger or problems

is about being cautious specifically because other people may threaten you

Antonyms

careless
14 1.0

A lack of attention that causes mistakes or harm

How Alert

on guard
27 3.5
to watch one's back
  • Informal
104 6.8
to stay alert
28 3.4
to be careful
979 1.0

Surface Forms

watch one's back infinitive
watched one's back past
watched one's back past participle
watching one's back present participle
watches one's back third person singular

Morphology

watch + one + back

The literal parts 'watch' + 'back' plausibly suggest monitoring or guarding the rear, so a learner can infer a sense of guarding oneself against attacks or harm. However, the phrase is a metaphorical extension to social vigilance (being cautious about people or threats), so the relation is only partly predictable without exposure.

Etymology

The phrasal verb watch one's back comes from the simple image of someone looking over their shoulder to watch their back for people sneaking up on them. So, it means 'be careful' and 'stay alert' about people who might hurt or trick you.