to keep your head on a swivel
1
8.1
- idiom
- Informal
:
estar alerta
- During the game, the coach reminded the players to keep their heads on a swivel to spot the opposing team's movements.
That means keep your head on a swivel, see that night, then see when he's telling you not to be there.
- That means keep your head on a swivel, see that night, then see when he's telling you not to be there.
Examples
-
Well, when you live in the wild, you gotta keep your head on a swivel.
-
Just keep your head on a swivel.
-
Copy that, keep your head on a swivel up there, confirmed enemy sighting in your area.
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In a crowded market, it's important to keep your head on a swivel to avoid any potential dangers.
-
When hiking in bear country, you must keep your head on a swivel to stay safe.
Synonyms
97
3.8
Watch carefully for danger or a chance
28
3.4
To watch carefully so you notice danger or changes
16
4.6
Watch carefully for something important or dangerous
4
3.7
Stay alert to hear useful news or information
1
6.0
Watch carefully for something you expect to see
Antonyms
How Alert
Surface Forms
Morphology
keep + your + head + on + a + swivel
The phrase evokes a clear literal image — keeping one’s head able to swivel (turn) — which readily suggests continually looking around and therefore being very alert. However, it is an informal, image-based idiom whose use to mean sustained vigilance is metaphorical rather than strictly compositional, so a learner may need to map the physical image onto the abstract concept of watchfulness.
Etymology
Keep your head on a swivel paints a picture of someone turning their head in every direction as if it sat on a turning swivel. So it means 'to stay very alert' and watch for danger.