keep
Also found in: Dictionary, Thesaurus, Medical, Legal, Financial, Acronyms, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia.
Related to keep: keep busy
keep (one's) peace
To stay quiet despite wanting to say something. Just keep your peace if you don't have anything constructive to add. I knew that anything I said would just make her angry, so I decided to keep my peace.
keep (one's) place
To be aware of the limit of one's role in a particular place or situation. I keep my place and don't bother the CEO when I see him around the office. I'm just an intern, after all.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
keep (something of someone's or something's)
to retain something that belongs to or is associated with someone or something. I would love to keep this handkerchief of yours. I want to keep a memento of the occasion.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
keep
/hold (one's) peace To be silent.
keep
/know (one's) place To recognize one's social position and act according to traditional decorum.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
- (one) can keep it
- (someone had) better keep quiet about it
- (someone had) better keep still about it
- a committee is a group of men who keep minutes and waste hours
- a hedge between keeps friendship green
- a man is judged by the company he keeps
- a man is known by the company he keeps
- above suspicion
- abreast of
- adopt, keep, etc. a high/low profile
- ahead
- ahead of
- ahead of the game
- an apple a day (keeps the doctor away)
- an apple a day keeps the doctor away
- apple a day
- at arm's length
- at bay
- away
- be in the dark (about someone or something)
- be in touch
- be in trim
- be in with (someone)
- be on about (something)
- be worth (one's) keep
- be worth (one's) salt
- be, keep, etc. in touch
- be, keep, etc. in trim
- be/go/keep on about something
- be/go/keep on at somebody
- be/keep in with somebody
- bear in mind
- bear something in mind
- bear/keep somebody/something in mind
- Better keep still about it
- break (one's) word
- break faith with (someone or something)
- break/keep faith with somebody
- bring (someone or something) under (one's) control
- bring/get/keep something under control
- Can you keep a secret?
- can't keep (one's) eyes off (of) (someone or something)
- can't keep (one's) hands off (someone)
- can't take your eyes off someone/something
- change with the times
- clear of
- Could you keep a secret?
- cross one's fingers
- desert and reward seldom keep company
- don't keep a dog and bark yourself
- don't set yourself on fire to keep others warm
- don't set yourself on fire to keep someone else warm
- ear to the ground, have one's
- ear to the ground, to have/keep an
- earn (one's) keep
- earn its keep
- earn keep
- earn one's keep
- earn your keep
- enough to keep body and soul together
- foot in both camps
- for keeps
- get (someone or something) under control
- get (someone) onside
- get into bad company
- get into/keep bad company
- get on (one's) right side
- get on the good side of (someone)
- get on the wrong side of (someone)
- get one's feet on the ground
- get the ball rolling
- Get your nose out of my business!
- get/keep on the right/wrong side of somebody
- get/keep somebody onside
- get/keep/set/start the ball rolling
- go on (and on) about (something)
- hands off
- have (one's) feet on the ground
- have (one's) finger on the pulse
- have (one's) fingers crossed
- have (one's) hand in (something)
- have (one's) nose to the grindstone
- have (one's) wits about (one)
- have (someone) on a string
- have (something) up (one's) sleeve
- have a clear head
- have a hand in
- have an/(one's) ear to the ground
- have one's eye on
- have one's wits about one
- have shoulder to the wheel
- have someone on a string
- have/keep a clear head
- have/keep an open mind
- have/keep both/your feet on the ground
- have/keep somebody on a string
- have/keep something up your sleeve
- have/keep your finger on the pulse
- have/keep your fingers crossed
- have/keep your wits about you
- head above water, keep one's
- hold (one's) cards close to (one's) chest
- hold (one's) end up
- hold (one's) peace
- hold (someone or something) at bay
- hold (someone or something) in check
- hold (something) in reserve
- hold back
- hold down
- hold end of the bargain up
- hold in
- hold in reserve and keep in reserve
- hold off
- hold one's end up
- hold one's temper
- hold one's tongue
- hold someone's feet to the fire
- hold/keep somebody/something at bay
- How you gonna keep (someone) down on the farm?
- if you can't stand the heat, keep out of the kitchen
- if you keep your mouth shut, you won't put your foot in it
- I'll thank you to keep your opinions to yourself
- in good shape
- in proportion
- in step
- in the back of mind
- in the dark
- in the dark, to be/keep someone
- in the picture
- in touch, be
- in with, be
- keep
- keep (a) (close) watch on (someone or something)
- keep (a) count (of someone or something)
- keep (an amount of) balls in the air
- keep (an amount of) plates spinning
- keep (close) watch
- keep (close) watch for (someone or something)
- keep (close) watch over (someone or something)
- keep (going) on about (someone or something)
- keep (going) on about (something)
- keep (going) on at (one)
- keep (it) in mind (that)
- keep (on) trying
- keep (one) amused
- keep (one) at arm's length
- keep (one) dangling
- keep (one) going
- keep (one) guessing
- keep (one) hanging (in midair)
- keep (one) honest
- keep (one) in (one's) place
- keep (one) in line
- keep (one) in stitches
- keep (one) in suspense
- keep (one) on (one's) toes
- keep (one) on a string
- keep (one) on a tight leash
- keep (one) on tenterhooks
- keep (one) on the edge of (one's) chair
- keep (one) on the edge of (one's) seat
- keep (one) on the hop
- keep (one) on the sidelines
- keep (one) posted
- keep (one) sweet
- keep (one) up at night
- keep (one) waiting
- keep (one's) (something) warm
- keep (one's) cards close to (one's) chest
- keep (one's) cards close to (one's) vest
- keep (one's) chair
- keep (one's) chin up
- keep (one's) cool
- keep (one's) distance
- keep (one's) distance from (someone or something)
- keep (one's) ears open
- keep (one's) end of the bargain up
- keep (one's) end up
- keep (one's) eye on the ball
- keep (one's) eye out for (someone or something)
- keep (one's) eye(s) open (for someone or something)
- keep (one's) eye(s) out (for someone or something)
- keep (one's) eye(s) peeled (for someone or something)
- keep (one's) eye(s) skinned (for someone or something)
- keep (one's) eyes on (someone or something)
- keep (one's) feet
- keep (one's) feet on the ground
- keep (one's) finger on the pulse (of something)
- keep (one's) fingers crossed
- keep (one's) hair on
- keep (one's) hand in (something)
- keep (one's) hands clean
- keep (one's) hands off (something or someone)
- keep (one's) hands to (oneself)
- keep (one's) head
- keep (one's) head about (one)
- keep (one's) head above water
- keep (one's) head below the parapet
- keep (one's) head down
- keep (one's) head on a swivel
- keep (one's) head on straight
- keep (one's) head right
- keep (one's) head up
- keep (one's) knickers on
- keep (one's) lips sealed
- keep (one's) mind on (something)
- keep (one's) mouth shut
- keep (one's) nose clean
- keep (one's) nose out of (someone's) business
- keep (one's) nose out of (something)
- keep (one's) nose to the grindstone
- keep (one's) opinions to (oneself)
- keep (one's) options open
- keep (one's) own counsel
- keep (one's) pants on
- keep (one's) paws off (something or someone)
- keep (one's) peace
- keep (one's) pecker up
- keep (one's) place
- keep (one's) powder dry
- keep (one's) promise
- keep (one's) seat
- keep (one's) shirt on
- keep (one's) shorts on
- keep (one's) shoulder to the wheel
- keep (one's) slate clean
- keep (one's) socks on
- keep (one's) temper
- keep (one's) voice down
- keep (one's) weather eye open
- keep (one's) wig on
- keep (one's) wits about (one)
- keep (one's) word
- keep (one's)/a beady eye on (someone or something)
- keep (one's)/an eye on (someone or something)
- keep (oneself) busy
- keep (oneself) into the best of health
- keep (oneself) to (oneself)
- keep (some kind of) hours
- keep (someone or oneself) in ignorance
- keep (someone or something) about
- keep (someone or something) apart
- keep (someone or something) at a distance
- keep (someone or something) at arm's length
- keep (someone or something) at bay
- keep (someone or something) for (someone or something)
- keep (someone or something) in check
- keep (someone or something) in order
- keep (someone or something) in sight
- keep (someone or something) on (their or its) feet
- keep (someone or something) under (one's) control
- keep (someone or something) under scrutiny
- keep (someone or something) within bounds
- keep (someone or something, or oneself) at a distance
- keep (someone) in bounds
- keep (someone) in the dark (about something)
- keep (someone) in the loop
- keep (someone) in the picture
- keep (someone) on a short leash
- keep (someone) on ice
- keep (someone) onside
- keep (someone) posted, to
- keep (someone) under (one's) thumb
- keep (someone) up to date
- keep (something) at the back of (one's) mind
- keep (something) by
- keep (something) close to (one's) chest
- keep (something) dark
- keep (something) for a rainy day
- keep (something) for another time/day/week/etc.
- keep (something) handy
- keep (something) in bounds
- keep (something) in proportion
- keep (something) in reserve
- keep (something) in the back of (one's) mind
- keep (something) in the family
- keep (something) light
- keep (something) on the down low
- keep (something) on the hush
- keep (something) on the hush-hush
- keep (something) straight (in one's mind/head)
- keep (something) to (oneself)
- keep (something) to a minimum
- keep (something) under (one's) hat
- keep (something) under one's hat, to
- keep (something) under wraps
- keep (something) up (one's) sleeve
- keep (something) up to date
- keep (two or more people) straight (in one's mind/head)
- keep (up) (one's) end of the bargain
- keep (up) (one's) side of the bargain
- keep a
- keep a (close) watch
- keep a beady eye on somebody/something
- keep a civil tongue
- keep a civil tongue in (one's) head
- keep a civil tongue in one's head
- keep a civil tongue in your head
- keep a clean sheet
- keep a clear head
- keep a close eye on (someone or something)
- keep a close eye/watch on somebody/something
- keep a close rein on (someone or something)
- keep a close watch on
- keep a close watch over (someone or something)
- keep a cool head
- keep a dog and bark (oneself)
- keep a dog and bark yourself
- keep a firm grip on
- keep a firm grip on (someone or something)
- keep a firm hand (on something)
- keep a firm hand on the tiller
- keep a foot in both camps
- keep a good table
- keep a jealous eye on (someone)
- keep a jealous eye on (something)
- keep a level head
- keep a lid on
- keep a lid on (something)
- keep a low profile
- keep a promise
- keep a secret
- keep a sharp lookout (for something or someone)
- keep a steady hand (on something)
- keep a steady hand on the tiller
- keep a stiff upper lip
- keep a stiff upper lip, to
- keep a still tongue (in one's head)
- keep a straight face
- keep a straight face, to
- keep a tab on (someone or something)
- Keep a thing seven years and you'll find a use for it
- keep a thing seven years, and you'll (always) find a use for it
- keep a tight grip on (someone or something)
- keep a tight rein on
- keep a tight rein on (someone or something)
- keep a tight rein on somebody/something
- keep a tight rein on someone/something
- keep a wary eye on (someone or something)
- keep a watchful eye (on someone or something)
- keep a weather eye on
- keep a weather eye on (someone or something)
- keep a weather eye on something/open for something
- keep a weather eye on something/someone
- keep a weather eye open
- keep a weather eye out
- keep about
- keep abreast of
- keep abreast of (someone or something)
- keep abreast of something
- keep across (something)
- keep afloat
- keep after
- keep after (someone or something)
- keep ahead
- keep ahead (of someone or something)
- keep all the plates spinning
- keep aloof from (someone or something)
- keep an act up
- keep an ear out (for someone or something)
- keep an ear to the ground
- keep an even keel
- keep an eye on
- keep an eye on, to
- keep an eye open
- keep an eye out
- keep an eye out for
- keep an eye out for (someone or something)
- keep an eye peeled (for something or someone)
- keep an open mind
- keep an/(one's) ear close to the ground
- keep an/(one's) ear to the ground
- keep an/your eye on somebody/something
- keep apart
- keep around
- keep astride of (something)
- keep at
- keep at (one) about (something)
- keep at (someone or something)
- keep at a distance
- keep at arm's length from
- keep at arm's length from (someone or something)
- keep at arm's length, to
- keep at it
- Keep at it!
- keep away
- keep away (from someone or something)
- keep back
- keep bad company
- keep balls in the air
- keep banker's hours
- keep behind
- keep body and soul together
- keep body and soul together, to
- keep both feet on the ground
- keep both oars in the water
- keep busy
- keep by
- keep calm and (do something)
- keep calm and carry on
- keep cave
- keep chair
- keep chin up
- keep clear of
- keep close tabs on (someone or something)
- keep company
- keep cool
- keep count
- keep distance
- keep down
- keep end up
- keep eye on
- keep eye on the ball
- keep eye out
- keep eyes
- keep eyes open
- keep eyes peeled
- keep faith with
- keep faith with (someone or something)
- keep feet on the ground
- keep finger on the pulse of
- keep fingers crossed
- keep fit
- keep for
- keep from
- keep from (doing something)
- keep from doing
- keep going
- keep good time
- keep guard
- keep half an eye on (someone or something)
- keep hand in
- keep hands off
- keep hands to
- keep harping on
- keep harping on (someone or something)
- keep harping on about (someone or something)
- keep head
- keep head above water
- keep honest
- keep hope alive
- keep house
- keep in
- keep in check
- keep in contact (with one)
- keep in good condition
- keep in good shape
- keep in good with
- keep in good with (one)
- keep in ignorance
- keep in line
- keep in mind
- keep in mind that
- keep in order
- keep in sight
- keep in some place
- keep in step
- keep in step (with someone or something)
- keep in step with the times
- keep in stitches
- keep in suspense
- keep in the dark
- keep in there
- Keep in there!
- keep in time (with someone or something)
- keep in touch
- keep in training
- keep in trim
- keep in with
- keep in with (someone)
- keep inside
- keep it 100
- keep it between the ditches
- keep it down
- keep it down to a dull roar
- keep it in (one's) pants
- keep it on the down-low
- keep it plain and simple
- keep it real
- Keep it real!
- keep it that way
- keep it together
- keep it up
- Keep it up!
- keep it/something dark
- keep kosher
- keep late hours
- keep mind on
- keep mouth shut
- keep mum
- keep nit
- keep no more cats than can catch mice
- keep nose clean
- keep nose out of
- keep nose out of business
- keep nose to the grindstone
- keep off
- keep off (of) (one's) case
- keep off (of) (something)
12