keep an eye on
To watch or monitor something carefully
शाब्दिक अर्थ: To maintain one ocular organ upon a specific target
Use this phrase when you want to monitor something temporarily to prevent any problems or changes.
15 सेकंड में
- Watch something briefly to ensure it stays safe or okay.
- Use it for people, objects, or even abstract progress.
- A friendly way to ask for or offer small supervision.
मतलब
It means to watch something or someone closely to make sure they are safe or behaving correctly. You aren't just looking; you are being responsible for them for a short time.
मुख्य उदाहरण
3 / 6At a coffee shop
Could you keep an eye on my bag while I grab a napkin?
Could you watch my bag for a moment?
Cooking dinner
I'm going to the garden; can you keep an eye on the oven?
Can you make sure the food doesn't burn?
In a business meeting
We need to keep an eye on the budget this month.
We need to monitor our spending carefully.
सांस्कृतिक पृष्ठभूमि
This idiom dates back to the 19th century and reflects the maritime and frontier history of English speakers where 'watching' was vital for survival. In modern culture, it represents a 'low-stakes' social contract where people help each other in public spaces. It is one of the most common ways to ask for a small favor without sounding demanding.
The 'Close' Upgrade
If you want to sound more serious, add 'close'. Saying 'keep a close eye on' means you are worried something might actually go wrong.
Don't use 'in'
Many people mistakenly say 'keep an eye in'. Always use 'on'. Think of your vision landing 'on' top of the object.
15 सेकंड में
- Watch something briefly to ensure it stays safe or okay.
- Use it for people, objects, or even abstract progress.
- A friendly way to ask for or offer small supervision.
What It Means
Keep an eye on is about temporary supervision. It means you are watching something so nothing goes wrong. You aren't staring intensely like a statue. You are just staying alert while doing other things. It is like having a 'safety radar' turned on.
How To Use It
You usually use it with the preposition on. You can keep an eye on a person, a thing, or even a situation. It is a very flexible phrase. You can use it for five minutes or five hours. It implies you are helpful and reliable.
When To Use It
Use it when you need a favor at a cafe. Ask a stranger to keep an eye on your laptop. Use it at work when watching a project's progress. Use it at home when the pasta is boiling. It is perfect for any moment involving light responsibility.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for long-term legal guardianship. You don't keep an eye on a child for ten years. That is 'raising' them. Also, avoid it in very high-stakes security contexts. A secret service agent doesn't just keep an eye on the president. That sounds a bit too casual for a life-or-death job!
Cultural Background
English speakers value independence but love small favors. Asking someone to keep an eye on something is a sign of trust. It started in the 1800s and became a daily staple. It reflects a culture of 'watching out' for your neighbors. It is the verbal version of a quick thumbs-up.
Common Variations
You might hear keep a close eye on for extra focus. If you are watching two things, you still usually say an eye. Don't worry, nobody expects you to actually remove your eyeball! Another version is keep your eyes peeled, which means watching even more intensely.
इस्तेमाल की जानकारी
This phrase is very safe to use. It sits perfectly in the 'neutral' category, meaning it works with your best friend or your CEO. Just remember to always use the preposition 'on'.
The 'Close' Upgrade
If you want to sound more serious, add 'close'. Saying 'keep a close eye on' means you are worried something might actually go wrong.
Don't use 'in'
Many people mistakenly say 'keep an eye in'. Always use 'on'. Think of your vision landing 'on' top of the object.
The Stranger Rule
In English-speaking cultures, asking a stranger to 'keep an eye on' your things is common in cafes, but only for a minute or two!
उदाहरण
6Could you keep an eye on my bag while I grab a napkin?
Could you watch my bag for a moment?
A very common request among strangers in safe public spaces.
I'm going to the garden; can you keep an eye on the oven?
Can you make sure the food doesn't burn?
Used here to mean 'make sure nothing goes wrong'.
We need to keep an eye on the budget this month.
We need to monitor our spending carefully.
Used for abstract things like money or data.
Keep an eye on Sarah tonight, she seems a bit sad.
Watch Sarah to see if she is okay.
Used to show emotional care for a friend.
I have to keep an eye on the dog or he'll eat the sofa!
I must watch the dog so he doesn't destroy things.
Adds a lighthearted sense of urgency.
I'll keep an eye on the situation and update you tomorrow.
I will monitor what happens and tell you later.
Shows professional responsibility and initiative.
खुद को परखो
Choose the correct preposition to complete the phrase.
Please keep an eye ___ the kids while they play outside.
The idiom 'keep an eye on' always uses the preposition 'on' to indicate the object being watched.
Which word is missing in this common idiom?
I'll keep ___ eye on your luggage at the airport.
While 'my eye' is grammatically possible, the standard idiom is 'keep an eye on'.
🎉 स्कोर: /2
विज़ुअल लर्निंग टूल्स
Formality of 'Keep an eye on'
Used with friends and family.
Keep an eye on my pizza!
Perfect for coworkers and strangers.
Could you keep an eye on my desk?
Used in reports or professional settings.
We will keep an eye on the market trends.
When to use 'Keep an eye on'
Safety
Watching a child near a pool.
Possessions
Watching a friend's phone.
Cooking
Watching a pot of water boil.
Business
Monitoring sales numbers.
अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल
10 सवालNo, it just means you are staying alert. You can look away, as long as you check back frequently, like keeping an eye on a simmering soup.
Yes, but it sounds more intense. Keep an eye on is a casual favor; keep your eyes on sounds like a strict command or a romantic song.
Absolutely. It shows you are being proactive. You can say, "I'll keep an eye on those emails for you."
Watch is a general action, but keep an eye on implies a specific responsibility to prevent a problem.
Yes, like keep an eye on the baby. It means to make sure they stay safe while they play.
Yes, it is used globally across all major English dialects including British, American, and Australian.
No, it is an idiom, but it is considered standard English. You can use it in almost any situation without being rude.
Yes! It means you are checking it regularly for updates, such as keeping an eye on ticket prices.
This isn't a standard idiom. Stick to keep an eye on or keep a close eye on for the best natural flow.
Always use an eye. Saying one eye sounds like you are literally closing your other eye!
संबंधित मुहावरे
Keep tabs on
To monitor someone's movements or activities closely.
Watch over
To protect or care for someone or something.
Keep a lookout
To watch for a specific person or event to happen.
Keep track of
To stay informed about the status or location of something.
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