watch your back
Danger lurks nearby
Watch your back is a warning to stay alert for potential danger or betrayal, especially from people around you.
The phrase suggests threats may come from behind—where you can't see them—often from supposed allies or colleagues: In this industry, you'd better watch your back.
It can be friendly advice or a veiled threat.
- bewareExercise vigilant caution
- cautionCareful attention to risk
- dangerExposure to harm
- threatIndication of potential harm
- warningAlert about danger
betrayal · stab · wolf in sheep's clothing · fair weather friend · knife · trust · trust no one · enemy · paranoid · vigilant · lurking · shadow · backstab · treachery · alert · sneak · ambush · spy
- cautioncareful, be careful, cautious, caution, beware
- fighting wordsfight me, bring it, square up, throw hands, step outside
- alertnessalert, alertness, attentive, vigilance, vigilant
watch your backrelax
Become less tense
rest easy · all clear · coast is clear · all is well · unwind
watch your backtake care
Parting expression of concern
be well · stay safe · godspeed · go in peace · peace be with you
watch, your, back, watched, watching, watches, watcher, watchers, watchful