keep (tabs/a tab) on someone/something
Meaning(s)
1. to watch, track or monitor closely
Popularity
Medium
Professional
Medium
Social
How to Memorize
keep a tab on their work
Analysis
When you 'keep a tab' or 'keep tabs' on something or somebody, you keep track of it or them and monitor it or them closely. This phrase can have a negative connotation, as it can portray surveillance or mistrust. Do not confuse with the phrase 'keep/run/have a tab' which means to run a bill in a bar or shop to be paid at a later time or date.
Social Examples (Advance)
- You need to keep tabs on him. The last time we did a project together, he didn't put in any work.
- It's hard to keep tabs on my family. Everyone is always so busy!
Professional Examples (Basic)
- It is up to our supervisors to keep tabs on those working in their teams.
- Can you keep tabs on this client while I am away for a few days?