watch like a hawk

1. Observe very closely, as in I was watching him like a hawk, but I never did see him take your wallet. This simile alludes to the hawk's exceptionally keen sight.

Example Sentences

“John Kelly, how could you talk like this? You were supposed to be the one we didn’t have to watch like a hawk. You were supposed to be the hawk. What happened to July John Kelly?”

Read more on The Guardian

They would sit and have tea, and I’d watch like a hawk.

Read more on New York Times

However, I am confident that the result will be determined in scores rather than hundreds of seats and that those are the ones to watch like a hawk.

Read more on BBC

“I always watch like a hawk when they’re in my yard,” he said of technicians.

Read more on New York Times

In 1,500 Chicago precincts, you've got to watch like a hawk, since only in a few are there any real Republican judges.

Read more on Time Magazine Archive