Keep Tabs on — Meaning, Usage & Examples

What it means...

To watch someone or something closely over time.

When you keep tabs on someone, you check often so you always know what is going on.

The reason can be safety, work, or simple curiosity.

Use it when…

When a manager monitors a team member's progress closely
When tracking a project, competitor, or situation to stay informed
When a parent or friend keeps a watchful eye on someone they care about

Don’t confuse with...

"Keep an Eye on"

—

To watch casually or intermittently — keeping tabs implies more regular and systematic monitoring

"Micromanage"

—

Excessive control over details — keeping tabs is about awareness, not necessarily interfering

"Keep Tabs on"

—

Regularly and closely monitoring someone or something to stay informed about their status

Where you’ll hear it

You’ll hear the "Keep Tabs on" idiom in real life — at work, in relationships, or in the media.

Work & Business

Office Conversations

She kept tabs on every project milestone to make sure nothing slipped through the cracks.

Relationships & Social Life

Friends

He keeps tabs on his competitors — always the first to know when they launch something new.

Media & Everyday Life

TV Shows / Movies

I need you to keep tabs on him — report back if anything unusual happens.

‹›

Use it like this

Here’s how to use "Keep Tabs on" idiom naturally in real conversations, with real examples.

Work & Business

Meetings

Boss

Who's responsible for monitoring the budget spend this quarter?

You

I'll keep tabs on it — weekly updates to the team and a flag if we hit 80% of budget.

Relationships

Honest conversations

Friend

I'm worried about her — she's been going through a tough time.

You

I've been keeping tabs on her too. Let's both check in this week.

Everyday Conversations

Storytelling

Friend

How did you know the situation was getting worse before anyone else did?

You

I'd been keeping tabs on it for months — small signs others had overlooked. Paid off in the end.

‹›

Last updated:

October 4, 2026

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