minding the store
Covering the counter
Minding the store is taking care of routine business operations while the person normally in charge is away.
The phrase suggests maintaining things as they are rather than making major changes: While the boss was on vacation, Jenkins was minding the store.
It often implies a caretaker role with limited authority.
- watchfulnessCareful, sustained attention
- keeping watchMaintaining vigilant observation
- on dutyActively at one's station
- deputizationFormal empowerment to act
- filling inTemporary replacement duty
covering for · management · supervision · taking over · caretaker role · stand-in · substitution · proxy · caretaking · alertness · stewardship · safeguarding · governance · diligence · accountability · monitoring · stock · precaution
minding the storeasleep at the wheel
Failing to supervise properly
dropping the ball · dereliction of duty · looking the other way · checked out · taking one's eye off the ball
minding the storeabandoning ship
Fleeing a failing vessel
walking away · passing the buck · stepping back · disengaging · clocking out
mind, minding, minds, minded, mindful, mindless, mindfulness, reminder, remind