Idioms · Proverb Hunter

Keep tabs on (someone or something)

To watch or check or observe someone or something.We are keeping tabs on the spending of the sales department.

To not move.I tried to keep still during the long lecture.

To keep something concealed (until some future date).We plan to keep our plans for the new project under wraps.

To keep a secret, to not tell something.My coworker will not say where he is going for his holiday. He wants to keep it under his hat.

To keep something a secret.I asked my friend to keep the news to herself.

To keep food in one's stomach (without vomiting it up when sick).The child was sick and found it difficult to keep his food down.

To prevent someone from going to bed.My neighbors kept me up last night with their loud music.

To make someone or something silent or less noisy.The mother had a hard time keeping her child still in the airplane.

To keep someone informed or up-to-date about something.I asked my friend to keep me posted about his new job and address.

To keep someone anxious or in suspense.I was kept on tenterhooks as I waited to hear the results of my exam.