watch one's back

Verb

literally figuratively

Japanese Meaning

背後からの攻撃や裏切りに注意して、常に警戒する / 潜在的な脅威に対し、周囲をしっかり観察して備える / 不意の攻撃や不測の事態に対する警戒心を持つ

When walking through a dark alley at night, it's wise to watch one's back for any surprise attack.

夜に暗い路地を歩くときは、背後からの不意の襲撃に備えて警戒しておくことが賢明だ。

Sense（1）

the kind of dive bar where you better watch your back

Sense（2）

(figuratively) To remain wary of being thrown under the bus, figuratively.

the kind of office gossip that prompts you to watch your back

watches one's back

（ present singular third-person ）

watching one's back

（ participle present ）

watched one's back

（ participle past ）

watched one's back

（ past ）