Watch your back

usgb
phrase

Be alert or careful, especially due to potential harm, danger, or trickery.

When living in the big city, it's always a good idea to watch your back.
Visual representation of "watch your back" - Be alert or careful, especially due to potential harm, danger, or trickery

Often appears as...

  • always watch your back
  • need to watch your back

Usage tips

Informal

Colloquial

Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "watch your back"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Urban Awareness

Often used to advise caution in city environments where the risk of crime is higher.

Illustration for Urban Awareness
Moving to New York? Remember to watch your back.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Literal

It doesn't mean to physically turn around but to remain vigilant of your surroundings.

Illustration for Not Literal
Even in our friendly neighborhood, it's smart to watch your back.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Emotional Tone

Can express genuine concern when someone senses potential danger for another person.

Illustration for Emotional Tone
The competition is fierce here, so watch your back.
Visual representation of the word "Watch your back"

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