keep (a) close watch on (someone/something)

to guard or follow carefully someone or something.

With an international team keeping close watch on polling stations, voters chose from an array of 12 candidates.

Republicans are warning the president to keep a close watch on spending.

Usage notes: sometimes used in the form keep a watch on:

He wants to keep a watch on who comes and goes from the office.

Related vocabulary: keep an eye out for someone/something

• in any case
• in any event
• in any shape or form
• in any way, shape, or form
• in a pickle
• in a pig's eye
• in a pinch
• in a quandary
• in a row
• in a sense
• in a sweat
• in a tight spot
• in a vacuum
• in a way
• in awe
• in awe of
• in awe of someone
• in awe of something
• in a word
• in bad faith
• in bed with
• in bed with someone
• in birthday suit
• in black and white
• in blood