Flashcards based on "Idioms with 'keep' to learn (part 1)" 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 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 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 away]  {v. phr.}

To remain at a distance from.

[keep back]  {v. phr.}

To refrain or be restrained from entering; remain back.

[keep body and soul together]  {v. phr.}

To keep alive; survive.

John was unemployed most of the year and hardly made enough money to keep body and soul together.

Compare: [KEEP THE WOLF FROM THE DOOR].

[keep books]  {v. phr.}

To keep records of money gained and spent; do the work of a bookkeeper.

[keep company]  {v. phr.}

1. To stay or go along with (someone) so that he will not be lonely to visit with (someone).

John kept Andy company while his parents went to the movies.

I'll go shopping with you just to keep you company.

2. To go places together as a couple; date just one person.

After keeping company for one year, Mary and John decided to marry.

Who is Bill keeping company with now?

Compare: [GO STEADY].

[keep cool]  {v. phr.}

Remain calm; remain unexcited.

[keep down]  {v.}

Keep from progressing or growing; keep within limits; control.

The children could not keep their voices down.

We hoe the garden to keep down the weeds.

You can't keep a good man down.

Compare: [GET AHEAD].

[keep from]  {v.},  {informal}

To hold yourself back from; stop or prevent yourself from (doing something).

Can you keep from repeating gossip?

Jill can't keep from talking about her trip.

- Usually used with "can" in the negative.

You can't keep from liking Jim.

Compare: [CAN HELP].

[keep in touch with]  {v. phr.}

To remain in communication with; maintain contact with.

[keep late hours]  {v. phr.}

To go to bed late; habitually stay up (and work) late.

[keep off]  {v. phr.}

To refrain from entering; stay away from.

[keep on]  {v.}

1. To go ahead; not stop; continue.

The neighbors asked them to stop making noise, but they kept right on.

Columbus kept on until he saw land.

- Often used before a present participle.

Relentlessly, the boy kept on asking about the birds and the bees.

The boy kept on talking even though the teacher had asked him to stop.

Syn.: [GO ON]. Compare: [KEEP AT], [KEEP UP].

2. To allow to continue working for you.