watch like a hawk

Idioms  

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.

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Example Sentences

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

From New York Times • Jan. 23, 2016

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

From New York Times • Nov. 23, 2012

One of the rummy things about Jeeves is that, unless you watch like a hawk, you very seldom see him come into a room.

From My Man Jeeves by Wodehouse, P. G. (Pelham Grenville)

We were in Luchon, and all the way 263 to London I had to watch like a hawk to keep that medicine from father, but I succeeded, although I became extremely unpopular with Doctor Dalmers.

From Lefty Locke Pitcher-Manager by Standish, Burt L.