keep up with (someone or something)

1. To remain near someone or something by moving as fast as them or it. I was surprised that I managed to keep up with Janet on our run. There's no way your clunky little station wagon can keep up with a sports car like mine!

2. To be at a similar level of progress or success in life as someone else, especially one's friends, family, or peers. Social media has made us feel even more pressure to keep up with everyone we know in completely unachievable ways. A: "Why did she buy such an expensive car?" B: "Well, she lives in a wealthy part of town—I bet she just wants to keep up with the Joneses."

3. To manage to progress at the same rate as another person or organization. Keeping up with the go-getters in this office is a real challenge, but I think you're up to it. So far, Floogle is the only company that has kept up with Mango in the smartphone market.

4. To remain informed and knowledgeable about something, as by closely following the latest developments. It's so hard to keep up with the news these days, especially when a huge story seems to break every day. It's my job to keep up with the most recent developments in the tech sector.

5. To know what is happening in someone's life, as by remaining in regular contact. Have you been keeping up with your cousins? What's Mary-Kate up to these days? Gosh, I haven't kept up with Tom in years. I had no idea he moved to Europe!

6. To update one's behavior, beliefs, fashion, lifestyle, etc., to reflect or adapt to what is the most current or trendy. He has always kept up with the latest fashion trends. That senator needs to keep up with the times and stop saying things that are wildly inappropriate in today's world. Traditional publishers have to keep up with modern technology if they hope to survive in the market.

7. To manage to understand and remain engaged with someone or something, such as a debate, discussion, argument, etc. Sarah and her co-workers were throwing around so much industry jargon that I had a hard time keeping up with them. If you can't keep up with the conversation, maybe you should just go do something else.

8. To continue making progress according to a schedule or pace dictated by someone or something else. I just can't keep up with the deadlines my boss keeps setting. Keeping up with a workout regimen takes willpower and dedication.

9. To continue doing something that requires practice. I haven't kept up with my Japanese since high school, so I can barely remember any of it anymore. I wish you had kept up with the saxophone. You were so talented!