Flashcards based on "Idioms with Keep" set

[keep (one) posted]  {v. phr.}

To receive current information; inform oneself.

[keep a civil tongue in one's head]  {v. phr.}

To be polite in speaking.

He was very angry with his boss, but he kept a civil tongue in his head.

[keep a close check on]

See: [KEEP TAB(S) ON].

[keep a stiff upper lip]  {v. phr.}

To be brave; face trouble bravely.

He was very much worried about his sick daughter, but he kept a stiff upper lip.

Although he was having some trouble with the engine, the pilot kept a stiff upper lip and landed the plane safely.

Compare: [KEEP ONE'S CHIN UP].

[keep a straight face]

See: [STRAIGHT FACE], [DEADPAN].

[keep abreast (of) someone] or [keep abreast (of) something]  {v. phr.}

To be informed of the latest developments.

It is difficult to keep abreast of all the various wars that are being waged on planet Earth.

Compare: [KEEP STEP WITH].

[keep after]  {v.},  {informal}

To speak to (someone) about something again and again; remind over and over again.

Some pupils will do sloppy work unless the teacher keeps after them to write neatly.

[keep an eye on] or [keep one's eye on] or [have one's eye on]  {v. phr.}

1. To watch carefully; not stop paying attention to.

Keep an eye on the stove in case the coffee boils.

You must keep your eye on the ball when you play tennis.

A good driver keeps his eye on the road.

The teacher had her eye on me because she thought I was cheating.

Billy keeps a jealous eye on his toys.

The lion tamer keeps a sharp eye on the lions when he is in the cage.

Compare: [LOOK OUT], [LOOK OVER].

2. To watch and do what is needed for; mind.

Mother told Jane to keep an eye on the baby while she was in the store.

Mr. Brown told John to keep an eye on the store while he was out.

Syn.: [TAKE CARE OF] (1).

[keep at]  {v.}

To continue to do; go on with.

Mary kept at her homework until she finished it.

Compare: [KEEP ON] (1), [KEEP UP] (1b).