keep tabs on somebody/something

keep tabs on (someone or something)

To routinely monitor or observe someone or something; to keep track of someone or something. It was revealed that the FBI kept tabs on him for years just because he once attended a meeting of a radical group. Keep tabs on the amount of feedback we get so that we know how many people this issue affects.
See also: keep, on, tab
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

keep tabs on

Observe carefully, keep a record of. For example, I hate having my boss keep tabs on my every move, or We've got to keep tabs on outgoing mail so we can keep track of postage. This expression uses to tab in the sense of "an account." [Late 1800s] Also see keep track.
See also: keep, on, tab
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

keep tabs (or a tab) on

monitor the activities or development of; keep under close observation. informal
1978 Mario Puzo Fools Die Jordan knew that Merlyn the Kid kept tabs on everything he did.
See also: keep, on, tab
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

keep (close) ˈtabs on somebody/something

(informal) watch somebody/something very carefully; keep informed about somebody/something: I’m not sure about Johnson — we’d better keep tabs on him until we know we can trust him. I’m keeping tabs on the number of private phone calls you all make from the office.
See also: keep, on, somebody, something, tab
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

keep tabs on

Informal
To observe carefully over time: Let's keep tabs on expenditures.
See also: keep, on, tab
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • be/have done with somebody/something
  • be in line with (someone or something)
  • better of
  • (someone or something) promises well
  • begin with
  • begin with (someone or something)
  • bird has flown, the
  • beware of
  • beware of (someone or something)
  • be rough on (someone or something)