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Glite Dictionary
to keep an eye peeled

to keep an eye peeled

1 6.0
Watch carefully for something you expect to see
  • idiom
  • Informal
translation icon : estar atento
  • Yeah, keep an eye peeled.

Examples

  • You keep an eye peeled up there.

    Saving Silverman (2001)

  • Well, keep an eye peeled.

    Racing Daylight (2007)

  • - Keep an eye peeled for snakes.

    The Big Red One (1980)

  • Keep an eye peeled for visitors too.

    Fiction book (1991)

  • Keep an eye peeled for the Taiwan Kitchen and Guy's Transmission.

    Fiction book (1995)

  • Keep an eye peeled for hidden gems.

    Blog text (8)

Synonyms

to watch
vsto keep an eye peeled
∞ 1.0

To be careful and pay attention to possible danger

is focused more narrowly on watching for a specific expected thing
to pay attention
vsto keep an eye peeled
∞ 1.6

To focus on someone or something and notice carefully

is more active watchfulness for a specific thing rather than general mental focus
to observe
vsto keep an eye peeled
619 2.4

To watch something carefully to learn about it

is more about staying alert for one specific thing rather than studying something
to watch out
vsto keep an eye peeled
  • Informal
582 3.0

To be careful to avoid danger or trouble

is more about steady attention for finding a particular object or sign
to keep an eye on
vsto keep an eye peeled
  • Informal
408 2.4

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

is more about brief alertness for spotting something specific rather than long supervision
to look out for
vsto keep an eye peeled
291 3.0

Watch carefully to notice danger or help someone

is focused more on observing for a particular item than protection
to look out
vsto keep an eye peeled
153 1.6

Watch for danger or trouble

is used more for watching for a specific person or happening
to keep an eye out
vsto keep an eye peeled
  • Informal
134 3.2

Watch carefully for someone or something

is focused especially on watching for a particular thing rather than general alertness
to watch one's back
vsto keep an eye peeled
  • Informal
104 6.8

Be careful about people who might try to harm you

is broader and focused on watching for any specific occurrence not only threats
to stay tuned
vsto keep an eye peeled
  • Literature
98 3.5

To wait and pay attention for more news or updates

is about actively watching for a specific on-site thing rather than awaiting news
to keep one's eyes open
vsto keep an eye peeled
97 3.8

Watch carefully for danger or a chance

is similar but focuses on watching mainly for one specific thing
on the lookout for
vsto keep an eye peeled
47 3.4

Watching carefully to find someone or something

is mainly being alert and watchful, less about actively searching
to keep tabs on
vsto keep an eye peeled
  • Informal
43 3.9

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

is focused on quick watchfulness for a specific occurrence rather than ongoing updates
to take notice
vsto keep an eye peeled
42 3.5

To see and pay attention to something

is directed at watching for a specific person or event rather than general noticing
to keep watch
vsto keep an eye peeled
30 3.1

To stay alert and watch for danger or trouble

is mainly about being ready to notice one particular thing rather than guard duty
to stay alert
vsto keep an eye peeled
28 3.4

To watch carefully so you notice danger or changes

is specifically about watching for a particular object or event
on guard
vsto keep an eye peeled
27 3.5

Alert and ready to act if danger or problems appear

is focused on watchfulness for a particular object, not only defense
to keep one's eyes peeled
vsto keep an eye peeled
  • Informal
16 4.6

Watch carefully for something important or dangerous

is the other phrasing that expresses the same exact idea
to keep a close watch
vsto keep an eye peeled
8 3.0

Look at a person or thing very carefully for a while to notice problems

is about focused watching for a specific thing rather than continuous monitoring
to keep one's ears open
vsto keep an eye peeled
  • Informal
4 3.7

Stay alert to hear useful news or information

is mainly visual and about watching for a specific sight rather than listening
to be on one's toes
vsto keep an eye peeled
1 6.3

To stay alert and ready for anything that might happen

is about watching specifically for a certain item rather than general readiness
to keep one's eyes skinned
vsto keep an eye peeled
  • UK
8.2

Watch carefully for danger or a chance to act

is about being alert for a specific thing rather than broad vigilance
on one's guard
vsto keep an eye peeled
4.7

Alert and ready to deal with danger or problems

is more about paying attention for a specific sign or person
on (one's) guard
vsto keep an eye peeled
4.6

Ready and careful about possible danger or problems

is mainly watching for a particular thing rather than general preparedness
to keep on (one's) toes
vsto keep an eye peeled
  • Informal
5.8

Make someone stay alert and ready for surprises

is the state of being alert oneself, not the act of making others vigilant

Antonyms

to overlook
243 2.9

To not notice someone or something you should see

inattentive
5 5.3

Does not notice what is happening or small details

How Watchful

to keep an eye peeled
  • Informal
1 6.0
to keep an eye out
  • Informal
134 3.2
to glance
299 1.5

Surface Forms

keep an eye peeled infinitive

Morphology

keep + an + eye + peeled

The base 'keep an eye' is transparently compositional (to watch), but the past participle 'peeled' is used metaphorically (eyes 'peeled' = kept open) rather than in its literal sense of removing a peel. A B1 learner who knows the constituents could partly infer the phrase means to be watchful, but the non-literal use of 'peeled' makes the overall expression not fully predictable without exposure.

Etymology

Keep an eye peeled may come from the picture of peeling fruit or skin so you can see better; if an eye is 'peeled' it is seen as wide open and ready to watch. That's why the phrase means 'to be alert and watchful'.