Definition
If someone says the phrase “not on my watch”, they are saying they will not allow something to happen when they are responsible.
For example – “We are not going home until the job is finished. Not on my watch.”
Clip 1
Clip 1 is from the series Parks and Recreation. The female protagonist Leslie Knope is debating a motion from a councilman who only wants to permit residents with valid identification containing their addresses to be allowed to vote. As Leslie has a senior role in the local government department she argues that she will not allow people in her town to be prevented from voting while she holds this responsible position. This is why she uses the phrase “not on my watch”.
Clip 2
Clip 2 is from the movie Pineapple Express. Seth Rogen’s character is saving his friend who is played by James Franco. The reason why he uses the phrase “not on my watch” is because he is taking responsibility for saving his friend’s life.
Clip 3
Clip 3 is from the movie Impractical Jokers. One of the jokers Sal is worried because he notices Paula Abdul in a restaurant and tells the other jokers that she hit him the last time that they met. This prompts Q to tell Sal that he will take responsibility to protect him. “Nobody touches you again. Not on my watch!”
Clip 4
The last clip is from the movie Clifford The Big Red Dog. The young girl is explaining that if the building superintendent catches them with the dog in the apartment they will be evicted as it goes against the rules of the building. The male character then says he will not allow this to happen and devises a plan to hide the dog. He is reassuring the child that while he is there he will take responsibility to ensure the dog is not found.