Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[yoshi-pooh]

Hi, everyone!

Let's say you are going out for a while and have to ask your neighbor to look after your children. In that case, if you say "Can you keep an eye on my children while I'm out?", what's the implication of to keep an eye on?

Does that mean, "Can you watch them carefully so they're safe?"
My dictionary says "to keep an eye on" means "to watch carefully", but it seems to me "watch carefully" sounds a little too strong. In my impression "to keep an eye on..." has more freedom regarding what you do while you're with the children and you give less focus on them than "to watch carefully. Do you think I'm wrong?

Sorry for my long question, but I'd really appreciate your reply.

yoshi-pooh

[MauraS]

I think that you are completely right. To keep an eye on is not always strong like your dictionary said.

The first example with children I think of is two parents watching their children at the park. One parent goes to the washroom and asks the other to keep an eye on their kids. This to me, means to watch and make sure nothing bad happens to them, but in a casual way.

If the parents were to leave for the night they would definitely use something stronger like, take care of the children.

We also have the expression to keep both eyes on. Like to keep both eyes on the road. This means to give your full attention too.

Two eyes are stronger than one!

Hope this helps!

[yoshi-pooh]

Hi, MauraS

Thank you for your reply.

I really appreciate it.

yoshi-pooh