on the watch . on the watch {adj. phr.} Alert; watchful. The customs inspector was on the watch for diamond smugglers. Mary was on the watch for bargains at the auction. Compare: EYE OUT, LOOK OUT (2). Categories: add yours {adj. phr.} Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms by A. Makkai, M.T. Boatner, J.E. Gates © 2024 To section: O Subscribe to: American IdiomsIdioms feedEnglish languageHome page and general feed Comment on this entry