watch your wallet

USAGE SUMMARY

"watch your wallet" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to advise someone to be cautious when handling their money or possessions. For example, "Be careful when you're out shopping today. Watch your wallet!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

The fruits of office Help wanted Watch your wallet The usual amount Anatoly Kinakh ReprintsHow come?

The Economist

The fruits of office Help wanted Watch your wallet The usual amount Anatoly Kinakh ReprintsOr did it?

The Economist

The fruits of office Help wanted Watch your wallet The usual amount Anatoly Kinakh ReprintsChange began in the 1960s when Spain opened up to tourists.

The Economist

The fruits of office Help wanted Watch your wallet The usual amount Anatoly Kinakh ReprintsThe first results since he took office in late May are mildly encouraging.

The Economist

The fruits of office Help wanted Watch your wallet The usual amount Anatoly Kinakh Reprints Related items European economies: Out of puffAug 9th 2001Immigrants admitted under the points system will be allowed to arrive with their children.

The Economist

For the best lighting effects, start at the Cibeles Fountain, walk up Calle Alcalá to the bustling Puerta del Sol (watch your wallet) and continue along the Calle Arenal to the glowing Royal Palace.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

In addition to the two triple stacks, there also happens to be some fun misdirection here, including ACE for "One in a pack," CREASE RESISTANT for "One unlikely to develop clothing lines?" and ATTIC for "Top web developer?" Watch your wallets, as there are two attempts to "Filch" things at 18- and 44 Across.

The New York Times

Hand over you wallet and watch your pampered dog be all oxygenated.

TechCrunch

"I've known Mike forever, like everybody, and he's a great guy, but check your wallet and watch when you're done shaking hands," the former Baltimore Ravens coach Brian Billick said with a laugh.

The New York Times - Sports

Entering one mosque, my interpreter whispered to me, "Watch out for your wallet".

The New York Times - Magazine

And be sure to take all the usual precautions: Watch out for your wallet; carry only small amounts of cash; wear little jewelry; and don't go flaunting expensive electronics such as cell phones and cameras.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When traveling to crowded tourist destinations, use "watch your wallet" as a clear and concise warning to companions about potential pickpockets.

Common error

Avoid using "watch your wallet" in professional or academic writing. Opt for more formal alternatives like "exercise financial caution" or "protect your assets".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "watch your wallet" functions as an imperative, used to directly advise or warn someone. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's a common phrase used to encourage caution, especially regarding money or belongings. The provided examples confirm its use in real-world contexts to prompt awareness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "watch your wallet" is a grammatically sound and usable imperative phrase that serves as a warning to be careful with one's money and belongings. Ludwig AI confirms this. While it's most commonly found in news and media, it's generally considered neutral to informal in register. To enhance writing, consider using it appropriately in context or using formal synonyms such as "exercise financial caution" for elevated settings. While the phrase is correct, consider alternatives when writing formally.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be wary of pickpockets

This alternative specifically warns about the threat of theft by pickpockets.

be careful with your money

This alternative is a broader statement, advising general caution with finances.

be vigilant about theft

This phrase directly addresses the issue of theft and encourages alertness.

guard your valuables

This alternative emphasizes the protection of valuable items, not just money.

mind your possessions

A general warning to be attentive to one's belongings.

keep an eye on your belongings

This suggests vigilance over all personal items, not specifically financial ones.

protect your assets

Focuses on financial assets, implying a more formal and comprehensive approach to protection.

secure your purse

This alternative is more specific to purses, a common target for theft.

keep your wits about you

This is a more general warning to be aware of one's surroundings, including potential threats to belongings.

hold onto your money tightly

This is a more literal and somewhat humorous way of expressing the need to safeguard money.

FAQs

What does "watch your wallet" mean?

The phrase "watch your wallet" is an idiom that means to be careful with your money and possessions, especially in situations where there is a risk of theft or financial loss.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "watch your wallet"?

It's appropriate to use "watch your wallet" in informal settings or when directly warning someone about potential theft or overspending. Avoid using it in formal or professional contexts.

What are some alternative ways to say "watch your wallet"?

You can use alternatives like "be careful with your money", "guard your valuables", or "be wary of pickpockets" depending on the specific situation.

Is "watch your wallet" grammatically correct?

Yes, "watch your wallet" is grammatically correct as it uses the imperative form of the verb "watch" followed by the object "your wallet". Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.