keep an eye open: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘keep an eye open’ mean?
The idiom "keep an eye open" means to remain alert or vigilant, to pay close attention to something or someone in order to avoid missing any important information or opportunities.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "watch out" means to be careful or vigilant, usually in order to avoid danger or potential harm. It is often used as a warning to someone to pay attention to their surroundings and be cautious.
The idiom "lay eyes on" means to see or look at something. It implies that the person looking at something has a strong desire or interest in it.
The idiom "keep watch" means to stay vigilant or be on the lookout for potential dangers or threats. It implies being aware and alert to ensure the safety or security of someone or something.
The idiom "keep up" means to maintain the same level or pace, or to continue at a sufficient rate. It can refer to staying informed or being able to match or compete with others.
The idiom "keep the show on the road" means to continue with a task or activity without interruption or delay. It is often used to indicate the importance of maintaining progress or forward momentum to achieve a desired outcome or goal.
The idiom "keep one's cards close to one's chest" means to keep one's thoughts, plans, or intentions secret or hidden in order to maintain an advantage or not reveal too much information.
The idiom "keep off the streets" means to stay indoors or avoid going outside, often because of dangerous or unsafe conditions on public roads or in the surrounding area.
The idiom "keep off the streets" is commonly used in American English. It can be interpreted literally or figuratively based on the context.
The idiom "keep it up" means to continue doing something with the same effort and determination. It is often used to encourage or praise someone for their persistence or hard work.
The idiom "keep company" means to spend time with or be in the company of someone, usually in a social or friendly manner.
The idiom "keep a weather eye open" means to be vigilant or observant, particularly in regard to potential dangers or changes in circumstances.
Vigilance Unveiled
The idiom "keep an eye peeled" is a related phrase that means to be extremely watchful or observant. It is often used in situations where one needs to be extra vigilant or focused on their surroundings. Just like "keep an eye open", this idiom emphasizes the need to be attentive and aware of what is happening around you. For example, a detective may tell their partner to keep an eye peeled for any suspicious activity while on a stakeout. Similarly, a parent may instruct their child to keep an eye peeled for any possible dangers while playing in the park.
The phrase "keep an eye on" is another related idiom that means to monitor or watch closely. It is commonly used when someone needs to pay close attention to a particular person, situation, or object. This idiom can have both literal and figurative meanings. For example, a teacher may tell a student to keep an eye on the clock to ensure they finish their test within the allotted time. In a figurative sense, a manager might ask an employee to keep an eye on a competitor's marketing strategies to stay informed and competitive in the market.
Lastly, the idiom "keep an eye out" is a related phrase that means to be on the lookout or to be attentive for something specific. It implies actively searching for or anticipating a particular person, thing, or event. This idiom is often used when there is a need to remain watchful and alert in order to avoid missing or overlooking something important. For example, a hiker may be advised to keep an eye out for any trail markers to ensure they stay on the right path. Similarly, a job seeker may be encouraged to keep an eye out for any job postings in their desired field.
Overall, these related idioms - "keep an eye peeled", "keep an eye on", and "keep an eye out" - all convey the importance of being attentive, observant, and mindful in different situations. They emphasize the need to stay focused, watchful, and ready for any potential risks, opportunities, or specific occurrences that may arise. These idioms serve as reminders to stay vigilant, both in a literal sense by keeping our eyes open and in a figurative sense by being aware and attentive to our surroundings.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "keep an eye open" can be used in a sentence:
- Can you please keep an eye open for any updates regarding the project?
- We should keep an eye open for any suspicious activity in the neighborhood.
- Please keep an eye open for any sales or discounts on that item.
More "Awareness" idioms
