to keep a close watch

Examples

• All

• Miss Compton-Divot had noticed the fellow prowling about the upper rooms in the vicinity of the children's quarters one night, and had determined to keep a close watch on him.

  Fiction book (1992)

• The teachers are keeping a close watch on the students during the exam.

• Look, um, keep a close watch on him.

  The Indian in the Cupboard (1995)

• We're keeping a close watch on her.

  Seeking Justice (2011)

• - Keep a close watch until further orders.

  China Seas (1935)

• Local authorities would keep a close watch on what is said in the paper.

  Academic text (2005)

• So, let's keep a close watch on her.

  Taken 3 (2014)

• Better keep a close watch on your daughters.

  Beat the Drum (2003)

• We'll need everyone to keep a close watch on the sun while we evacuate.

  Green Lantern: Emerald Knights (2011)

• Once the machine gets going, it's essential to keep a close watch on the gauges.

  Academic text (2000)

Synonyms

W

to watch

vsto keep a close watch

∞ 1.0

To be careful and pay attention to possible danger

is more precise aiming to notice subtle changes or developing problems

P

to pay attention

vsto keep a close watch

∞ 1.6

To focus on someone or something and notice carefully

implies ongoing careful observation over time to detect changes or problems

M

to monitor

vsto keep a close watch

627 3.5

To watch or check something over time

is human focused careful observation aimed at noticing small changes and problems

O

to observe

vsto keep a close watch

619 2.4

To watch something carefully to learn about it

is more aimed at catching small problems or changes rather than only learning

L

to look after

vsto keep a close watch

472 1.1

Take care of someone or something to keep them safe and working

is mainly about careful detection of changes or potential problems not caregiving

K

to keep an eye on

vsto keep a close watch

• Informal

408 2.4

To watch someone or something carefully to make sure nothing bad happens

is more about careful monitoring for changes or problems rather than general safety

L

to look out for

vsto keep a close watch

291 3.0

Watch carefully to notice danger or help someone

leans more toward careful detection of changes or faults than caregiving

M

to mind

vsto keep a close watch

271 2.1

To pay careful attention to something

is more about continuous checking to spot changes or developing problems

K

to keep track

vsto keep a close watch

174 2.7

To watch and write down progress or details

is more about close observation for problems than just recording updates

W

to watch over

vsto keep a close watch

145 2.3

To look after someone or something to keep them safe

focuses on noticing subtle changes or problems rather than general supervision

K

to keep an eye out

vsto keep a close watch

• Informal

134 3.2

Watch carefully for someone or something

is more continuous careful observation to notice any change or problem

K

to keep one's eyes open

vsto keep a close watch

97 3.8

Watch carefully for danger or a chance

focuses on steady careful observation for changes or problems rather than just chances

K

to keep tabs on

vsto keep a close watch

• Informal

43 3.9

To watch someone or something closely over time to see what happens

is more about close continual attention to detect problems rather than casual updates

K

to keep watch

vsto keep a close watch

30 3.1

To stay alert and watch for danger or trouble

is more about careful checking for changes or problems than guarding

S

to stay alert

vsto keep a close watch

28 3.4

To watch carefully so you notice danger or changes

involves ongoing careful checking to detect small changes and problems

S

to stay on top of

vsto keep a close watch

27 4.1

To keep informed and in control to avoid problems

focuses on careful noticing of changes rather than active control or management

K

to keep one's eyes peeled

vsto keep a close watch

• Informal

16 4.6

Watch carefully for something important or dangerous

is broader careful observation over time to detect changes or problems

S

to stand watch

vsto keep a close watch

• Jargon

10 3.4

To stay awake and guard people or a place

is focused on continuous careful observation to spot problems rather than defend

K

to keep guard

vsto keep a close watch

2 3.1

To stay and watch to protect people or a place

is more about careful detection of changes or issues than active defense

K

to keep an eye peeled

vsto keep a close watch

• Informal

1 6.0

Watch carefully for something you expect to see

is less focused on sudden spotting and more on steady checking for trouble

S

to set up a watch

vsto keep a close watch

1 4.8

To place people to look for danger and protect others

is usually a personal continuous checking for small changes rather than formal surveillance

Antonyms

I

to ignore

∞ 1.0

Choose not to pay attention to someone or something

N

to neglect

256 3.8

Fail to care for someone or something you should look after

How Closely Watched

to keep a close watch

8 3.0

to monitor

627 3.5

to watch

∞ 1.0

to check

∞ 1.0

to glance at

150 2.0

Surface Forms

Morphology

Etymology