How Do You Spell KEEPING TABS?

Pronunciation: [kˈiːpɪŋ tˈabz] (IPA)

The phrase "keeping tabs" is a commonly used idiom that means to monitor or keep track of something or someone. The word "tabs" is spelled with the /æ/ vowel sound followed by the /bz/ consonant sounds, represented in IPA phonetic transcription as /tæbz/. It is believed that the original phrase came from the practice of keeping a tally or tab on a bar tab to ensure accurate billing. Today, the phrase is used in various contexts, including business, relationships, and personal finances.

KEEPING TABS Meaning and Definition

1. Keeping tabs refers to monitoring or watching over someone or something closely, typically in a discreet or inconspicuous manner. The term often conveys the act of keeping track of a person's activities, behavior, whereabouts, or progress. It involves maintaining a vigilant and careful observation, often with the intent to gather information or maintain a record.

   The phrase "keeping tabs" stems from the notion of maintaining a running tally or record of someone's actions or developments, akin to keeping track of numbers on a scorecard or in a ledger. It implies a subtle surveillance, where individuals may be unaware that they are being monitored or that their actions are being noted.

   The expression is commonly used to describe a sense of control or oversight, especially in relationships or professional settings. It suggests a level of interest or concern in being knowledgeable about someone's activities or progress, potentially for protective, supervisory, or regulatory purposes.

   Additionally, "keeping tabs" can also refer to the act of manually or digitally recording information or data for future reference or analysis. This could involve maintaining a log, journal, or spreadsheet to track important details, statistics, or events.

   Overall, "keeping tabs" denotes a process of discreetly observing, monitoring, and maintaining track of someone or something, with the aim of staying informed, organized, or in control.

Common Misspellings for KEEPING TABS

• keepin tab
• keeping tab
• jeeping tabs
• meeping tabs
• leeping tabs
• oeeping tabs
• ieeping tabs
• kweping tabs
• kseping tabs
• kdeping tabs
• kreping tabs
• k4eping tabs
• k3eping tabs
• kewping tabs
• kesping tabs
• kedping tabs
• kerping tabs
• ke4ping tabs
• ke3ping tabs
• keeoing tabs

Etymology of KEEPING TABS

The phrase "keeping tabs" originates from the practice of "tabulating" or "keeping tabs on" something or someone. It can be traced back to the late 19th century, where "tab" referred to a small piece of metal or wood used to keep a count or record of something. People would frequently use tabs or small markers to keep track of quantities, debts, or scores, both in games and other situations where records needed to be maintained. This eventually led to the figurative use of "keeping tabs" to mean keeping a close watch or monitoring something or someone closely.