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Glite Dictionary
on one's guard

on one's guard

4.7
Alert and ready to deal with danger or problems
  • idiom
translation icon : en guardia
  • You should always be on your guard when walking alone at night.

Examples

Synonyms

careful
vson one's guard
∞ 1.0

Watching what you do to avoid mistakes or harm

is more about staying alert for danger and problems
cautious
vson one's guard
210 2.9

Careful to avoid risk or mistakes

focuses more on immediate alertness and readiness to act
wary
vson one's guard
110 3.6

Careful because you do not trust someone or something

leans more toward general alert readiness rather than mistrust
vigilant
vson one's guard
66 6.0

A person who keeps careful watch for danger or problems

emphasises also being prepared to respond quickly when needed
watchful
vson one's guard
37 3.2

Being careful and ready to notice danger or problems

adds the expectation of readiness to act as well as watching
on guard
vson one's guard
27 3.5

Alert and ready to act if danger or problems appear

expresses the same readiness but with a steadier tone
on your guard
vson one's guard
6 4.4

Ready and alert to notice danger or problems

conveys the same idea but without direct personal address
on (one's) guard
vson one's guard
4.6

Ready and careful about possible danger or problems

means the same but differs only in written form

Antonyms

unaware
175 2.9

Not knowing that something is happening or true

careless
14 1.0

A lack of attention that causes mistakes or harm

How Alert

hypervigilant
  • Specialized
1 8.6
vigilant
66 6.0
on one's guard
4.7
relaxed
241 1.0
unaware
175 2.9

Surface Forms

on one's guard positive

Morphology

on + one's + guard

The phrase combines 'on' (indicating being in a state or position) + 'one's' (possessive) + 'guard' (protection), so the sense 'in a state of protection/alertness' is directly derivable from the parts. This locative/state composition is common cross-linguistically, so a B1 learner who knows the constituents would very likely infer the meaning.

Etymology

On one's guard comes from the image of a watchman or guard who stands ready and watches for danger. So being on your guard today means being 'alert and ready' for problems.