keep tabs on

Idioms  

1. Observe carefully, keep a record of. For example, I hate having my boss keep tabs on my every move, or We've got to keep tabs on outgoing mail so we can keep track of postage. This expression uses to tab in the sense of “an account.” [Late 1800s] Also see keep track.

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

keep tabs on

It comes with an app so you can keep tabs on its performance, and the ability to automatically run during off-peak electricity hours.

From Slate ● Sep. 14, 2026

Brian Dow of the mental health charity, Rethink, is calling for a national register of patient safety to keep tabs on the type of care mental health units across the country are providing.

From BBC ● Sep. 14, 2026

Since levels of risk tolerance vary from investor to investor, it’s important for investors to keep tabs on how concentrated their positions are and what they’re comfortable with.

From MarketWatch ● May 13, 2026

Mobile phones can also help authorities in North Korea -- one of the world's most tightly surveilled societies -- keep tabs on people.

From Barron's ● May 5, 2026

The reaping is a good opportunity for the Capitol to keep tabs on the population as well.

From "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins

Related Words

• attend
• check out
• examine
• follow
• listen
• look
• observe
• regard
• scan
• scrutinize
• see
• stare
• view
• wait