Flashcards based on "Idioms with 'keep' to learn (part 3)" set

Prev Next
1 of 14


keep step with

Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
1 of 14
[keep step with]  {v. phr.}
To maintain the same degree of progress as someone else.
The United States has no choice but to keep step with potential enemies in terms of modern defense systems.
Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
2 of 14


keep tab on

Categories: informal verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
2 of 14
[keep tab on] or [keep tabs on]  {v. phr.},  {informal}
1. To keep a record of.
The government tries to keep tabs on all the animals in the park.
2. To keep a watch on; check.
The house mother kept tabs on the girls to be sure they were clean and neat.
Compare: [KEEP TRACK OF].
Categories: informal verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
3 of 14


keep the ball rolling

Categories: informal verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
3 of 14
[keep the ball rolling]  {v. phr.},  {informal}
To keep up an activity or action; not allow something that is happening to slow or stop.
Clyde kept the ball rolling at the party by dancing with a lamp shade on his head.
Compare: [GET THE BALL ROLLING].
Categories: informal verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
4 of 14


keep the faith

Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
4 of 14
[keep the faith]  {v. phr.}
To not abandon hope; stay committed to the cause of democracy and racial equality.
"Keep the faith, Baby," my neighbor said as he raised his fingers to show the "V" for victory sign.
Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
5 of 14


keep the home fires burning

Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
5 of 14
[keep the home fires burning]  {v. phr.}
To keep things going as usual while someone is away; wait at home to welcome someone back.
While John was in the army, Mary kept the home fires burning.
Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
6 of 14


keep the wolf (wolves) from the door

Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
6 of 14
[keep the wolf (wolves) from the door]  {v. phr.}
To avoid hunger, poverty, and/or creditors.
"I don't like my job," Mike complained, "but I must do something to keep the wolves from the door."
Compare: [KEEP BODY AND SOUL TOGETHER].
Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
7 of 14


keep things humming

Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
7 of 14
[keep things humming]  {v. phr.}
To cause thing to perform smoothly and efficiently.
Until Mr. Long joined our computer center, we had all sorts of problems, but he has corrected them and really keeps things humming.
Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
8 of 14


keep time

Categories: music time verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
8 of 14
[keep time]  {v. phr.}
1. To show the right time.
My watch has not kept good time since I dropped it.
2. To keep the beat; keep the same rhythm; keep in step.
Many people are surprised at how well deaf people keep time with the music when they dance.
Categories: music time verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
9 of 14


keep track

Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
9 of 14
[keep track]  {v. phr.}
To know about changes; stay informed or up-to-date; keep a count or record.
What day of the week is it? I can't keep track.
- Usually used with "of".
Mr. Stevens kept track of his business by telephone when he was in the hospital.
The farmer has so many chickens, he can hardly keep track of them all.
Compare: [IN TOUCH], [KEEP UP] (3).
Contrast: [LOSE TRACK].
Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
10 of 14


keep under one's hat

Categories: informal verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
10 of 14
[keep under one's hat]  {v. phr.},  {informal}
To keep secret; not tell.
Mr. Jones knew who had won the contest, but he kept it under his hat until it was announced publicly.
- Often used as a command.
Keep it under your hat.
Syn.: [KEEP TO ONESELF].
Categories: informal verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
11 of 14


keep up

Categories: bother verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
11 of 14
[keep up]  {v.}
1a. To go on; not stop; continue.
The rain kept up for two days and the roads were flooded.
Compare: [KEEP ON].
1b. To go on with (something); continue steadily; never stop.
Mrs. Smith told John to keep up the good work.
The teacher asked Dick to stop bothering Mary, but he kept it up.
Compare: [KEEP AT].
2a. To go at the same rate as others.
John had to work hard to keep up.
Billy was the youngest boy on the hike, but he kept up with the others.
Compare: [CATCH UP], [KEEP PACE].
Contrast: [FALL BEHIND], [GET BEHIND] (1).
2b. To keep (something) at the same level or rate or in good condition.
The shortage of tomatoes kept the prices up.
Grandfather was too poor to keep up his house.
3. To keep informed. — Usually used with "on" or "with".
Mary is interested in politics and always keeps up with the news.
Compare: [KEEP TRACK].
Categories: bother verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
12 of 14


keep up appearances

Categories: death time verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
12 of 14
[keep up appearances]  {v. phr.}
To maintain an outward show of prosperity in spite of financial problems.
Mr. Smith's widow had a hard time keeping up appearances after her husband's death.
Categories: death time verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
13 of 14


keep up with the Joneses

Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
13 of 14
[keep up with the Joneses]  {v. phr.}
To follow the latest fashion; try to be equal with your neighbors.
Mrs. Smith kept buying every new thing that was advertised, finally Mr. Smith told her to stop trying to keep up with the Joneses and to start thinking for herself.
Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
14 of 14


keep watch

Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms
14 of 14
[keep watch]  {v. phr.}
To be vigilant; be alert; guard.
The police have asked the neighborhood to keep watch against an escaped convict.
Categories: verb
A Dictionary of American Idioms