Pronunciation: [kˈiːp tˈabz] (IPA) 
In the phrase "keep tabs," the word "tabs" is spelled with a /z/ sound at the end. This is because the word "tabs" is short for "tabulations," which refers to written records or accounts. The /z/ sound is added to the end of the word to indicate plurality. The IPA transcription of "keep tabs" is [kiːp tæbz], with the final consonant /z/ indicated by the symbol [z]. "Keep tabs" means to monitor or keep track of something.
Keep tabs is a colloquial expression that means to monitor, observe, or keep track of something or someone closely. It often implies a watchful eye or a state of vigilance to ensure awareness of an individual's or a situation's developments or progress. The term can be used in various contexts and areas of life.
In a personal context, keep tabs can refer to staying informed about the activities or whereabouts of someone, often done by keeping notes or records. It may involve maintaining surveillance on an individual, whether discreetly or openly, to stay updated on their actions, behavior, or movements.
In a professional or business setting, keep tabs pertains to tracking progress, performance, or records of tasks, projects, or transactions. It involves regularly monitoring the status, updates, or advancements related to a particular operation, thereby ensuring effective management and supervision.
This expression can also be used more broadly, beyond individual monitoring, to refer to social, political, or environmental phenomena. It signifies a sustained effort to stay informed about a subject matter, staying informed about trends, developments, statistics, or data to better understand and respond accordingly.
In summary, keep tabs is an idiomatic phrase that conveys the act of monitoring, observing, or actively tracking someone or something in order to stay up-to-date or remain vigilant about their progress, actions, or whereabouts.
The phrase "keep tabs" is believed to have originated in the United States during the mid-19th century. It combines two separate terms: "keep" and "tabs".
"Keep" comes from the Old English word "cēpan", which means "to take heed" or "to care for". Over time, this word evolved to refer to the act of retaining or maintaining something.
"Tab", on the other hand, derives from "tabulate" or "table". It originated from the Latin word "tabula", meaning "a board, plank, or writing tablet". In the context of "keep tabs", "tabs" refers to the small markings or notches made to keep a record or tally.
Combining these two elements, "keep tabs" came to mean "to keep a close watch", "to observe", or "to maintain a record" of something or someone.
