have one eye on (someone or something)

have one eye on (someone or something)

To watch someone or something intermittently or half-heartedly while something else is happening. Unfortunately, I don't remember what that list said because I had one eye on the TV while Mom was trying to show it to me.
See also: eye, have, on, one
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

have one eye/half an eye on something

look at or watch something while doing something else, especially in a secret way so that other people do not notice: During his talk, most of the delegates had one eye on the clock.
See also: eye, half, have, on, one, something
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • (someone or something) promises well
  • accompanied by
  • accompanied by (someone or something)
  • accompany
  • (have) got something going (with someone)
  • a ghost at the feast
  • a/the feel of (something)
  • (I) wouldn't (do something) if I were you
  • (mother) nature's (something)
  • a straw will show which way the wind blows