close watch

[kloʊs wɑːtʃ]
noun phrase
vigilância atenta; observação rigorosa
1. careful and continuous observation of someone or something to monitor their actions or ensure safety
The police kept a close watch on the suspect's movements.
A polícia mantinha uma vigilância atenta sobre os movimentos do suspeito.
2. attentive supervision to prevent problems or ensure compliance
The teacher kept a close watch on the students during the exam.
A professora mantinha uma observação rigorosa dos alunos durante a prova.
3. careful monitoring of a situation to stay informed
Investors are keeping a close watch on the stock market.
Os investidores estão observando atentamente o mercado de ações.
This expression is widely used in both American and Brazilian contexts, particularly in law enforcement, education, finance, and parenting. In Brazil, 'ficar de olho' is a more colloquial equivalent commonly used in everyday conversation, while 'vigilância atenta' is preferred in formal and official contexts.
NYC Slang
keeping tabs on someone; eyeballing
Synonyms / Sinônimos
close eyestrict supervisionvigilant observationcareful monitoringkeen watch
Antonyms / Antônimos
neglectindifferencecarelessnessinattention

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
vigilância atenta; de olho em
most common usage across Brazil
São Paulo
observação rigorosa; ficar de olho
common in business and formal contexts
Rio de Janeiro
ficar atento; manter observação
colloquial usage in daily speech
Portugal
vigilância rigorosa; observação atenta
formal and standard usage

Related Words

surveillancemonitorobservesupervisionvigilancescrutinyoversight

Related Idioms & Phrases

keep a close watch on
under close watch
maintain close watch over
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