Meaning of Idiom ‘Watch (someone, something) Like a Hawk’
To watch someone (or something) like a hawk means to observe them very closely; to carefully and vigilantly watch someone, especially to make sure they do not do anything wrong.
Sentence Examples
“The guards were told to watch the new prisoner like a hawk as he was very dangerous.”
“You boys can play in the yard but I’ll be watching you like a hawk,” said mom.
“I was watching him like a hawk all night but somehow he managed to slip past me,” said the guard.
“No, it’s the last thing Holmes would want us to do. Our job is to watch, Barryman watch him like a hawk.” — The Hound of the Baskervilles (1939)
“They never trust him. They watch him like a hawk.” — Stargate SG-1: Singularity (1997)
“Take extra special care of every little-bitty bit of it as if I were watching over you like a hawk with a horsewhip in its talons, because I am.” — The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
“The moment you enter the casino, they’ll be watching. Like hawks. Hawks with video cameras.” — Ocean’s Eleven (2001)
“Ritter’s Ritter. He’s leaving me alone.” “Are you sure? Watch him like a hawk.” — Clear and Present Danger (1994)
Origin
This idiom alludes to the exceptionally good sight of a hawk, which can see small animals like mice from high in the sky.
