目(め)を光(ひか)らせる

めをひからせる

expression

to keep a sharp watch on; to be on the lookout for

1. to keep a sharp watch; to watch vigilantly for wrongdoing

To watch closely so that nothing improper slips by. Unlike neutral watching, it implies suspicion or enforcement, and is typical of police, inspectors, teachers, and supervisors.

警察(けいさつ)が目(め)を光(ひか)らせている。

The police are keeping a sharp watch.

先生(せんせい)は不正(ふせい)に目(め)を光(ひか)らせている。

The teacher is on the lookout for cheating.

当局(とうきょく)が取引(とりひき)の流(なが)れに目(め)を光(ひか)らせているため、不審(ふしん)な送金(そうきん)はすぐに見(み)つかる。

The authorities are watching the flow of transactions closely, so suspicious transfers are found right away.

Usage

What is being watched takes に. The phrase is almost always used in the ている form, describing an ongoing state of vigilance rather than a single act.

Common collocations

不正(ふせい)に目(め)を光(ひか)らせる: to watch for wrongdoing
違反(いはん)に目(め)を光(ひか)らせる: to watch for violations
周囲(しゅうい)に目(め)を光(ひか)らせる: to keep a sharp eye on one's surroundings

Similar words

目(め)を配(くば)る: to keep an eye on — conscientious care, without suspicion
見張(みは)る: to stand guard — plainer, describes the physical act of watching
監視(かんし)する: to monitor — formal and institutional, often with equipment

Related Words

Compare: 目(め)を配(くば)る (to keep an eye on)

Compare: 見張(みは)る (to stand guard)

Compare: 監視(かんし) (to monitor)

general

Added 2026.8.15 0:52 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02

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