What does “Keep tabs on someone” mean?
"Keep tabs on someone" means to closely monitor or keep track of someone.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I need to keep tabs on my teenage daughter's social media activity.
Example
The detective was assigned to keep tabs on the suspect's movements.
Example
My boss likes to keep tabs on all of his employees' progress
Is “Keep tabs on someone” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Keep tabs on someone” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Keep tabs on someone” effectively in context?
You can use "Keep tabs on someone" to describe the act of closely monitoring or keeping track of someone's activities. It implies a sense of surveillance or observation. For example, if you want to express the need to monitor your child's online behavior, you might say, 'I need to keep tabs on my teenage daughter's social media activity.'
- 1Parenting
As a parent, it's important to keep tabs on your child's friends and whereabouts.
- 2Investigation
The detective was assigned to keep tabs on the suspect's movements to gather evidence.
- 3Management
My boss likes to keep tabs on all of his employees' progress to ensure productivity.
Similar phrases to “Keep tabs on someone”:
Track someone's movements
To monitor or follow someone's actions or whereabouts
Example
The private investigator tracked the suspect's movements for weeks.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Keep tabs on someone” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Keep tabs on someone" is unknown.
Is “Keep tabs on someone” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Keep tabs on someone" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe the act of monitoring or tracking someone's activities, especially in situations where close observation is necessary or desired.
What tone does “Keep tabs on someone” have?
"Keep tabs on someone" conveys a tone of vigilance and attentiveness. It suggests a level of control or oversight, often with the intention of staying informed or ensuring accountability.
Can “Keep tabs on someone” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "keep tabs on someone" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes the act of closely monitoring someone's activities. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as professional meetings or reports.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'I need to keep tabs on my teenage daughter's social media activity.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "keep tabs on"!' to imply the need for monitoring or tracking.
