Watch your back
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.
Often appears as...
- always watch your back
- need to watch your back
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
phrase
To look out for one's own safety or interests.
In this business, no one will take care of you. You have to watch your back.
Often appears as...
- i'll watch your back
- he doesn't watch his back
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
phrase
To watch someone or something closely, especially in order to prevent something bad from happening.
The school bully is always looking for a weak kid to pick on, so you should watch your back.
Often appears as...
- watch your back around
- keep watching your back
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
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.
Often appears as...
- always watch your back
- need to watch your back
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
phrase
To look out for one's own safety or interests.
In this business, no one will take care of you. You have to watch your back.
Often appears as...
- i'll watch your back
- he doesn't watch his back
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
phrase
To watch someone or something closely, especially in order to prevent something bad from happening.
The school bully is always looking for a weak kid to pick on, so you should watch your back.
Often appears as...
- watch your back around
- keep watching your back
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Urban Awareness
Often used to advise caution in city environments where the risk of crime is higher.
Moving to New York? Remember to watch your back.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal
It doesn't mean to physically turn around but to remain vigilant of your surroundings.
Even in our friendly neighborhood, it's smart to watch your back.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Tone
Can express genuine concern when someone senses potential danger for another person.
The competition is fierce here, so watch your back.
Pro Tip 1/3Urban Awareness
Often used to advise caution in city environments where the risk of crime is higher.
Moving to New York? Remember to watch your back.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal
It doesn't mean to physically turn around but to remain vigilant of your surroundings.
Even in our friendly neighborhood, it's smart to watch your back.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Tone
Can express genuine concern when someone senses potential danger for another person.
The competition is fierce here, so watch your back.
Pro Tip 1/3Urban Awareness
Often used to advise caution in city environments where the risk of crime is higher.
Moving to New York? Remember to watch your back.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal
It doesn't mean to physically turn around but to remain vigilant of your surroundings.
Even in our friendly neighborhood, it's smart to watch your back.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Tone
Can express genuine concern when someone senses potential danger for another person.
The competition is fierce here, so watch your back.
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