finders, keepers: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘finders, keepers’ mean?
The idiom "finders, keepers" means that if someone finds something that is not being claimed by anyone else, they have the right to keep it as their own.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "keep watch" means to stay vigilant or be on the lookout for potential dangers or threats. It implies being aware and alert to ensure the safety or security of someone or something.
The idiom "keep the wolf from the door" means to have enough money or resources to provide for one's basic needs and avoid poverty or hunger.
The idiom "keep someone company" means to stay with or accompany someone in order to provide them with companionship or prevent them from feeling lonely.
The idiom "keep one's eyes peeled" means to stay alert and watchful, paying close attention to one's surroundings in order to notice any important or significant details or changes.
The idiom "keep company" means to spend time with or be in the company of someone, usually in a social or friendly manner.
The idiom "keep an eye peeled" means to be vigilant or watchful, paying close attention to one's surroundings in order to notice any important or unusual developments.
The phrase "keep an eye out" means to be watchful or alert for something or someone, often with the aim of finding or noticing them. It is used to emphasize the importance of being observant and paying attention to one's surroundings.
The idiom "keep an eye open" means to remain alert or vigilant, to pay close attention to something or someone in order to avoid missing any important information or opportunities.
The idiom "keep an eye on" means to regularly and closely monitor or watch someone or something, usually to ensure their safety or to prevent any problems. It implies being observant and vigilant in order to maintain control or stay informed about the situation.
The idiom "keep a lid on" means to maintain control over something, especially to prevent it from becoming known or causing trouble.
Unlocking Possession
finders, keepers; losers, weepers is a popular variation of the finders, keepers idiom. This additional phrase adds a playful rhyming element to the expression. It suggests that if someone loses something and another person finds it, then the finder has the right to keep it while the loser may feel disappointed or upset. This variation emphasizes the idea that finding something can be advantageous, while losing something can be disadvantageous. It serves as a reminder to be careful with our belongings and to be mindful of the consequences of misplacing or losing them.
keep watch is another idiom that relates to finders, keepers. This phrase means to remain alert, vigilant, and observant. It can be used in various contexts, such as keeping watch over a specific location, keeping watch for potential danger or threats, or keeping watch for opportunities or important information. The connection to finders, keepers lies in the need to be attentive and aware in order to notice and seize valuable opportunities or objects that come our way. By keeping watch, we increase our chances of finding something valuable and having the opportunity to claim it as our own.
keep one's eyes peeled is a similar idiom that means to be especially watchful or observant. This phrase suggests that we should keep our eyes wide open, scanning our surroundings for any potential discoveries or opportunities. When our eyes are peeled, we are more likely to notice things that others might miss. By keeping our eyes peeled, we enhance our chances of finding something unexpected and valuable, reinforcing the notion of finders, keepers.
Another variation of the idiom, keep an eye peeled, conveys a similar meaning. It also emphasizes the importance of remaining attentive, alert, and watchful. By keeping an eye peeled, we increase our chances of stumbling upon something valuable and being able to keep it for ourselves. This phrase highlights the idea that being attentive and observant can lead to opportunities or discoveries that we can claim as our own.
barn find is an idiom that refers to the discovery of a valuable or rare item that has been stored or hidden away for a long period of time, often in a barn. This term is commonly used in the context of classic cars or vintage collectibles being found in old barns or sheds. The phrase barn find captures the excitement and unexpectedness of finding something valuable that has been overlooked or forgotten. It relates to finders, keepers by emphasizing the element of surprise and the potential for stumbling upon something valuable that one can claim as their own.
Finders, keepers is an idiom that asserts the right of the finder to keep something they have discovered. It is not legally binding, but it serves as a reminder to seize opportunities and claim valuable objects when they come our way. Variations of the idiom, such as finders, keepers; losers, weepers, add a playful rhyming element to the expression. Related idioms like keep watch, keep one's eyes peeled, keep an eye peeled, and barn find emphasize the importance of remaining attentive and observant to maximize the chances of finding valuable objects and opportunities.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom finders, keepers can be used in a sentence:
1. Sarah found a dollar bill on the sidewalk, so she decided to keep it since she believed in the principle of finders, keepers.
2. John came across a lost puppy in the park and decided to keep it as per the rule of finders, keepers.
3. Jenny discovered an old book in the attic that no one seemed to want, so she claimed it as her own, following the mindset of finders, keepers.
More "Possession" idioms
