watch over: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘watch over’ mean?
"Watch over" means to protect, supervise, or care for someone or something, often with a sense of vigilance or responsibility.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "watch out" means to be careful or vigilant, usually in order to avoid danger or potential harm. It is often used as a warning to someone to pay attention to their surroundings and be cautious.
The idiom "watch one's step" means to be cautious or careful about one's actions or behavior in order to avoid making a mistake or causing harm.
The idiom "watch one's mouth" means to be careful about what one says, especially to avoid saying something offensive or disrespectful. It emphasizes the importance of choosing words wisely and being mindful of the impact they may have on others.
The idiom "watch one's language" means to be careful about the words one uses, especially in order to avoid saying something offensive or inappropriate.
The idiom "wait on someone hand and foot" means to cater to someone's every need or desire, providing them with constant attention and service.
When someone waits on another person hand, foot, and finger, it means they cater to their every need and desire, going above and beyond to provide assistance and support.
"Ride herd on" means to closely supervise or closely monitor someone or something.
Unlocking the Enigma: Decoding 'Watch Over'
The idiom "watch over" has several meanings and uses that are commonly used in American English. One of the main meanings of this idiomatic expression is to "keep an eye on" or "look after" someone or something. It can be used to describe the act of monitoring or supervising someone or something to ensure their safety, well-being, or proper functioning.
For example, if someone asks you to "keep a close watch" on their house while they are on vacation, it means they want you to check on the house regularly and make sure everything is in order. Similarly, a parent might ask a babysitter to "watch over" their children while they are away, implying that the person should keep a close eye on the kids and ensure their safety.
The idiom can also be used in a broader sense to mean "to protect" or "guard" someone or something. In this context, it implies a sense of responsibility and care towards the person or object being watched over.
Besides its literal meaning, "watch over" can also have a more figurative or metaphorical usage. It can be used to symbolize a sense of guidance, support, or vigilance. For instance, people might say that their guardian angel is "watching over" them, suggesting that they believe in a protective force or presence that keeps them safe.
Another common usage of this idiom is in the phrase "watch out," which means to be cautious or alert, usually in response to a potential danger or threat. It is often used as a warning or advisement to be careful or to take precautions. For example, if someone sees a car speeding towards them, they might yell "watch out!" to warn others to move out of the way.
In addition to keeping watch and watching out, "watch over" is also related to the idiom "keep an eye on." This expression is used to mean to continually observe or monitor someone or something. It can be used in a variety of contexts, such as keeping an eye on a baby sleeping in another room or monitoring a project to ensure it stays on track.
Each of these idiomatic expressions related to "watch over" adds nuance and depth to the meaning of the original phrase. They provide specific contexts and examples of how "watching over" is used in everyday American English. Whether it is keeping a close watch on a house, watching out for potential danger, or simply keeping an eye on something or someone, the idiomatic expression "watch over" conveys a sense of attentiveness, protection, and care.
The idiom "watch over" is commonly used in American English to mean "keep an eye on," "look after," "protect," or "guard" someone or something. It can be used both literally and metaphorically, and it carries connotations of responsibility, care, and vigilance.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "watch over" can be used in a sentence:
1. My older sister always watches over me to make sure I stay out of trouble.
2. The security guard was hired to watch over the building during the night shift.
3. The mother was seen watching over her children as they played at the park.
More "Supervision" idioms
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