Reading set "Idioms with 'keep' to learn (part 1)" (Number of items 18)
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keep (one) posted
keep (one) posted {v. phr.}
To receive current information; inform oneself.
My associates phoned me every day and kept me posted on new developments in our business.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
keep a civil tongue in one's head
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.
The bus driver began yelling at the woman and she told him to keep a civil tongue in his head.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
keep a stiff upper lip
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.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
keep abreast (of) someone
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.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
keep after
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.
Sue's mother had to keep after her to clean her bedroom.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
keep an eye on
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.
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).
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
keep away
keep away {v. phr.}
To remain at a distance from.
Her mother advised Diane to keep away from men offering a ride.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
keep back
keep back {v. phr.}
To refrain or be restrained from entering; remain back.
The police had a hard time keeping back the crowd when the astronauts came to town after walking on the moon.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
keep body and soul together
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.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
keep books
keep books {v. phr.}
To keep records of money gained and spent; do the work of a bookkeeper.
Miss Jones keeps the company's books.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
keep company
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.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
keep cool
keep cool {v. phr.}
Remain calm; remain unexcited.
The main thing to remember in an emergency situation is to not lose one's head and keep cool.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
keep down
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.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
keep from
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.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
keep in touch with
keep in touch with {v. phr.}
To remain in communication with; maintain contact with.
Don't forget to keep in touch, either by letter or phone, when you're in Europe!
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
keep late hours
keep late hours {v. phr.}
To go to bed late; habitually stay up (and work) late.
"If you always keep such late hours, your health might suffer," Tom's doctor said.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
keep off
keep off {v. phr.}
To refrain from entering; stay away from.
"Keep off the grass," the sign in the park indicated.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms
keep on
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.
2. To allow to continue working for you.
The new owner kept Fred on as gardener.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms