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hawk

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hawks and doves

Respectively, those who favor or support aggressive military action, especially regarding foreign policy, versus those who are inclined to more peaceful, diplomatic solutions. After the terrorist attacks, the hawks in Congress demanded a unilateral attack on the foreign nation, while the doves among them maintained that diplomatic sanctions would be effective for the time being.

See also: and, dove, hawk

between hawk and buzzard

Caught between two extremes or two factions. The settlers on the border of the two warring states found themselves caught between hawk and buzzard.

See also: and, buzzard, hawk

know a hawk from a handsaw

To be able to tell two things apart. The phrase comes from Shakespeare's Hamlet. Of course I know which twin is which, I know a hawk from a handsaw, after all!

See also: hawk, know

watch someone or something like a hawk

Fig. to watch someone or something very carefully. The teacher watched the pupils like a hawk to make sure they did not cheat on the exam. We had to watch our dog like a hawk in case he ran away.

See also: hawk, like, watch

watch somebody like a hawk

to look at someone very carefully She had a horrible boss who watched everyone like a hawk.

Usage notes: usually said about someone who looks for people to do something wrong

Etymology: based on the idea that a hawk (type of bird) can see small objects from great distances

See also: hawk, like, watch

have eyes like a hawk

if someone has eyes like a hawk, they notice everything The supervisor has eyes like a hawk, so be careful she doesn't catch you eating at your desk.

See also: eye, have, hawk, like

watch somebody like a hawk

to watch someone very carefully, especially because you expect them to do something wrong I was being watched like a hawk by the shop assistant.

See also: hawk, like, watch

watch like a hawk

Observe very closely, as in I was watching him like a hawk, but I never did see him take your wallet. This simile alludes to the hawk's exceptionally keen sight.

See also: hawk, like, watch

hawk

1. n. someone who supports a warlike U.S. defense policy. (Compare this with dove.) The hawks want to raise taxes and buy tanks.

2. in. to cough mightily; to cough something up. The cold has had me hawking for a week.

3. and the hawk n. the cold winter wind. (see also Mr. Hawkins.) Man, just feel the hawk cut through you!

the hawk

verb

See hawk

See also: hawk