Flashcards based on "Idioms with 'keep' to learn (part 3)" set
Prev Next
1 of 14
To maintain the same degree of progress as someone else.
A Dictionary of American Idioms
2 of 14
1. To keep a record of.
2. To keep a watch on; check.
Compare: [KEEP TRACK OF].
A Dictionary of American Idioms
2 of 14
. keep tab on
[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].
A Dictionary of American Idioms
3 of 14
To keep up an activity or action; not allow something that is happening to slow or stop.
Compare: [GET THE BALL ROLLING].
A Dictionary of American Idioms
3 of 14
. keep the ball rolling
[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].
A Dictionary of American Idioms
4 of 14
To not abandon hope; stay committed to the cause of democracy and racial equality.
A Dictionary of American Idioms
5 of 14
To keep things going as usual while someone is away; wait at home to welcome someone back.
A Dictionary of American Idioms
6 of 14
To avoid hunger, poverty, and/or creditors.
Compare: [KEEP BODY AND SOUL TOGETHER].
A Dictionary of American Idioms
6 of 14
. keep the wolf (wolves) from the door
[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].
A Dictionary of American Idioms
7 of 14
To cause thing to perform smoothly and efficiently.
A Dictionary of American Idioms
8 of 14
1. To show the right time.
2. To keep the beat; keep the same rhythm; keep in step.
A Dictionary of American Idioms
8 of 14
. keep time
[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.
A Dictionary of American Idioms
9 of 14
To know about changes; stay informed or up-to-date; keep a count or record.
- Usually used with "of".
Compare: [IN TOUCH], [KEEP UP] (3).
Contrast: [LOSE TRACK].
A Dictionary of American Idioms
9 of 14
. keep track
[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].
A Dictionary of American Idioms
10 of 14
To keep secret; not tell.
- Often used as a command.
Syn.: [KEEP TO ONESELF].
A Dictionary of American Idioms
10 of 14
. keep under one's hat
[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].
A Dictionary of American Idioms
11 of 14
1a. To go on; not stop; continue.
Compare: [KEEP ON].
1b. To go on with (something); continue steadily; never stop.
Compare: [KEEP AT].
2a. To go at the same rate as 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.
3. To keep informed. — Usually used with "on" or "with".
Compare: [KEEP TRACK].
A Dictionary of American Idioms
11 of 14
. keep up
[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].
A Dictionary of American Idioms
12 of 14
To maintain an outward show of prosperity in spite of financial problems.
A Dictionary of American Idioms
13 of 14
To follow the latest fashion; try to be equal with your neighbors.
A Dictionary of American Idioms
13 of 14
. keep up with the Joneses
[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.
A Dictionary of American Idioms