on the alert
on the alert
Particularly watchful, attentive, or prepared (for something). Security personnel are on the alert for anyone carrying suspicious-looking packages or behaving strangely. We've been on the alert ever since we heard there had been a string of burglaries in our part of town.
See also: alert, on
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
on the alert (for someone or something)
watchful and attentive for someone or something. Be on the alert for pickpockets. You should be on the alert when you cross the street in heavy traffic.
See also: alert, on
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
on the alert
Watchful, fully prepared, as in The inspectors are always on the alert for a manufacturing error. [Late 1700s]
See also: alert, on
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
on the alert
Watchful and prepared for danger, emergency, or opportunity: bird watchers on the alert for a rare species.
See also: alert, on
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
- keep an ear out (for someone or something)
- cherchez la femme
- femme
- be on guard
- keep your eyes peeled/skinned
- remain on guard
- be on full alert
- be on red alert
- have (one's)/a beady eye on (someone or something)
- keep a beady eye on somebody/something