Keep an Eye Out Meaning

Keep an eye out is one of several idioms that have to do with having ‘alert’ eyes and being watchful or noticing something or someone. ¹

Meaning of Idiom ‘Keep an Eye Out’

To keep an eye out for something or someone means to be observant watch carefully for it and to be aware that it might appear; to be vigilant and watchful.

Sometimes the variation ‘keep a sharp eye out’ is used to add emphasis.

Sentence Examples

“You stay outside and keep an eye out for anyone while I go inside and get the jewelry,” said the thief to his partner.

“You have to keep an eye out for threats on the internet.”

“Hey, keep an eye out for the corn dog stand. The fair always has the best corn dogs.”

“I’ve been keeping an eye out for a cheap set of tools. I especially need power tools.”

“The Uber is coming. Keep an eye out for a blue Toyota Corolla.”

“When working with epoxy, you have to keep an eye out for bubbles forming.”

“People, keep an eye out. We’re passing some very important rooms here.” Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)

“What about Leeds?” “Ronnie and I will stay here and keep an eye out for her, okay?” Baywatch (2017)

“Keep an eye out, okay? Watch my six.” Olympus Has Fallen (2013)

“These charges created so much attention, it seems to be bringing all the nuts jobs
out of the nut jar. Would you keep an eye out for anything out of the ordinary?.” Traffic (2001)

“Standard stuff… keep the boys in line…make sure they got to their classes on time, um…keep an eye out for trouble, put them down for the night.” Sleepers (1996)

Origin

The basic form of this idiom has been used since the late 1800s. The variation, ‘keep a sharp eye out’ is a bit earlier, dating from the mid-1700s.

This idiom may be a variation of the much older idiom ‘keep watch’ or ‘keep a watch,’ used since the late 1300s, e.g. ‘keep watch over the sheep.’ To keep watch would entail the use of one’s eyes, so, presumably, ‘keep a watch out’ for something could evolve into ‘keep an eye out for something,’ especially since there are several other idioms with almost identical meanings that use the word eye.