Etymology Journal · K
Keep an eye on it
Meaning
- A request to watch something closely to ensure nothing goes wrong. It is the standard operating procedure for any task involving a timer or a simmering pot.
Practical, cautious
Used in a sentence
- I am heading to the garage, so please keep an eye on the oven.
- The stock market looks shaky today so I will just keep an eye on it.
- Keep an eye on the toddler while I answer the phone.
The backstory
This is a simple idiomatic expression derived from the literal act of maintaining visual contact. It has been a mainstay of household management for centuries.
Heard in
Nationwide
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