keep watch

Idioms  

1. Also,; watch over. Observe with continuous attention, especially to act as a sentinel or for protection. For example, Afraid that the wolves would return, she kept watch while the others slept, or They kept a close watch on the harbor, looking for signs of enemy ships, or, according to the Gospel of St. Luke (2:8): “And there were in the same country shepherds ... keeping watch over their flock by night.” [Late 1300s] Also see keep an eye out for.

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Example Sentences

Investors should keep watch for the trade group’s pending home sales report, which measures contract signings, later this month.

From Barron's • Apr. 12, 2026

CFOs are uniquely placed to understand the inner workings of their companies, Graham said, since it is their job to keep watch on how company resources are being deployed.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026

Bindi had vanished during the Covid pandemic, and Jilly spent her daily walks looking for her, posting appeals on social media and asking people in Haddenham to keep watch for her.

From BBC • Dec. 24, 2025

But with the sun starting to dip behind the mountains, we finally give up, and leave the Sentinel to keep watch for the night.

From Slate • Jul. 7, 2025

“I hope you will be a great deal better, dear, but you must keep watch over your ‘bosom enemy’, as father calls it, or it may sadden, if not spoil your life.

From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott

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