to keep tabs on

Examples

• All

• If you're like me, you use an uptime monitor to keep tabs on your website.

  Blog text (27)

• Through the interaction at meals, Henry is able to keep tabs on everyone and their activities.

  Fiction book (1994)

• We're gonna keep tabs on these guys.

  One Good Cop (1991)

• I keep tabs on you boys.

  A Brother's Honor (2019)

• Watch, a consumer group that keeps tabs on insurance issues.

  Academic text (2006)

• What have you been keeping tabs on, Kale?

  Disturbia (2007)

• They market it as a solution to help you keep tabs on kids or seniors that you otherwise might lose.

• The trucking industry has also moved toward using GPS to keep tabs on where trucks are at any given time.

  Academic text (2007)

• The Event Viewer is designed to help system administrators keep tabs on their computers and troubleshoot problems.

  Blog text (28)

• Parents need to keep tabs on their children's online activities to ensure their safety.

Synonyms

W

to watch

vsto keep tabs on

∞ 1.0

To be careful and pay attention to possible danger

is used more for steady monitoring of progress or changes

T

to track

vsto keep tabs on

∞ 2.3

To follow where a person or thing goes

emphasizes broader watching for progress rather than just location

M

to monitor

vsto keep tabs on

627 3.5

To watch or check something over time

is the everyday, less technical term for the same activity

O

to observe

vsto keep tabs on

619 2.4

To watch something carefully to learn about it

focuses more on ongoing information and progress than discovery

K

to keep an eye on

vsto keep tabs on

• Informal

408 2.4

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

aims more to gather progress information than only prevent harm

F

to follow

vsto keep tabs on

352 4.2

To secretly watch someone to see what they do

is a more open or neutral form of monitoring without secrecy

K

to keep track

vsto keep tabs on

174 2.7

To watch and write down progress or details

focuses more on general watching for changes than formal recording

K

to keep up with

vsto keep tabs on

172 3.5

To learn about the latest news or trends

is more active monitoring of progress rather than passive information updates

K

to keep an eye out

vsto keep tabs on

• Informal

134 3.2

Watch carefully for someone or something

is about continuous observation to stay informed rather than brief lookout

K

to keep watch

vsto keep tabs on

30 3.1

To stay alert and watch for danger or trouble

covers general monitoring of progress not only guarding or protection

S

to stay on top of

vsto keep tabs on

27 4.1

To keep informed and in control to avoid problems

is more about regular checking of progress rather than active control

K

to keep one's eyes peeled

vsto keep tabs on

• Informal

16 4.6

Watch carefully for something important or dangerous

is broader and refers to ongoing careful monitoring over time

K

to keep abreast of

vsto keep tabs on

8 5.3

To stay informed about recent changes or news in a subject

has a stronger sense of continuous monitoring for progress and changes

K

to keep a close watch

vsto keep tabs on

8 3.0

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

is less intense and focuses on staying informed over time

S

to stay informed

vsto keep tabs on

7 3.1

To keep up with the latest news and events

is more about active watching of progress than passive updating

K

to keep one's ears open

vsto keep tabs on

• Informal

4 3.7

Stay alert to hear useful news or information

focuses more on watching progress and changes rather than just listening

K

to keep abreast

vsto keep tabs on

4 5.6

To stay up to date with new information

implies ongoing observation of progress not only staying updated

K

to keep an eye peeled

vsto keep tabs on

• Informal

1 6.0

Watch carefully for something you expect to see

is used more for continuous monitoring rather than short sharp alertness

S

to set up a watch

vsto keep tabs on

1 4.8

To place people to look for danger and protect others

is the general act of watching rather than arranging formal surveillance

K

to keep in sight

vsto keep tabs on

3.1

To continue to think about something as an important goal

is used mainly for active monitoring of progress rather than general focus

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

to surveil

9 8.4

to monitor

627 3.5

to keep tabs on

• Informal

43 3.9

to keep an eye on

• Informal

408 2.4

to glance at

150 2.0

Surface Forms

Morphology

Etymology