keep (one's)/an eye on (someone or something)

keep (one's)/an eye on (someone or something)

To watch someone or something carefully; to be attentive to someone or something. You need to keep your eye on the soup so that it doesn't bubble over. Sure, I can keep an eye on the baby while you go to the store.See also: eye, keep, on

keep an eye on someone or something

 and have an eye on someone or something; keep one's eye(s) on someone or something; have one's eye on someone or somethingFig. to watch someone or something; to monitor someone or something closely. I have my eye on the apple tree. When the apples ripen, I'll harvest them. Please keep an eye on the baby. Will you please keep your eye on my house while I'm on vacation?See also: eye, keep, on

keep one's eye on someone or something

 and have one's eye on someone or somethingFig. to have one's attention directed to someone or something. Please keep your eye on the children while I go to the store. Bill kept an eye on his expenses because he was spending too much money.See also: eye, keep, on

keep an/your ˈeye on somebody/something

take responsibility for somebody/something; make sure that somebody/something is safe: It’s my job to keep an eye on how the money is spent.Keep an eye on my bag while I go and make a phone call, will you?See also: eye, keep, on, somebody, something

keep an eye on

1. To watch over attentively; mind.2. To watch closely or carefully: keep your eye on the ball.See also: eye, keep, on