K

[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  […]

[keep an ear to the ground]

See: [EAR TO THE GROUND].

[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  […]

[keep an eye open] or [keep an eye out for]

See: [KEEP AN EYE ON].

[keep an eye out]

See: [EYE OUT].

[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).

[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.