watching brief

"Watching brief" is a term often used in legal and professional contexts to describe a situation when someone is closely monitoring or observing a particular situation or development but without taking direct action at present. It implies a state of vigilance or cautious observation with the intention of being informed and ready to act if necessary in the future. It is commonly used in the legal field to signify a temporary and cautious approach to a case or legal matter, where one party does not actively participate but closely monitors the proceedings.