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.

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Example Sentences

Just keep tabs on whether he’s in good spirits.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 18, 2026

In-home sensors and location trackers can help families keep tabs on aging loved ones while respecting their privacy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 28, 2026

China's sprawling security apparatus has long been accused of infiltrating community organisations as a way to keep tabs on expats and dissidents.

From Barron's • Feb. 11, 2026

But the scheme was designed so each licensing authority must enforce its own rules, meaning Wolverhampton has officers travelling all over England in order to keep tabs on its licencees.

From BBC • Jan. 15, 2026

Inej had tried to keep tabs on the team, but someone else in the gang could have been snooping.

From "Six of Crows" by Leigh Bardugo

Related Words

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