keep house: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘keep house’ mean?
The idiom "keep house" refers to the act of managing and maintaining a household, typically done by a homemaker. It involves tasks such as cleaning, cooking, and organizing the home. The phrase can also imply maintaining order and harmony within the household.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "put one's house in order" means to organize and arrange one's personal or professional affairs so that they are in a proper state or condition.
The idiom "leave home" means to go away from one's house or childhood home, usually to live independently or start a new chapter in one's life.
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 the show on the road" means to continue with a task or activity without interruption or delay. It is often used to indicate the importance of maintaining progress or forward momentum to achieve a desired outcome or goal.
The idiom "keep the pot boiling" means to maintain a situation or activity at a satisfactory or acceptable level of progress, especially in order to avoid any interruptions or setbacks.
The idiom "keep off the streets" means to stay indoors or avoid going outside, often because of dangerous or unsafe conditions on public roads or in the surrounding area.
The idiom "keep it up" means to continue doing something with the same effort and determination. It is often used to encourage or praise someone for their persistence or hard work.
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 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.
Domestic Management
The idiom "keep house" has multiple meanings in the English language. One common meaning is to manage the daily tasks required to maintain a household. This includes cleaning, cooking, and managing finances. The term originated in the early 19th century and was often used to describe the role of women in maintaining a home.
Another meaning of "keep house" is to maintain a harmonious and orderly home environment. This involves maintaining good relationships within the family, resolving conflicts, and creating a welcoming atmosphere for guests. It emphasizes the importance of a well-managed household in promoting comfort and security.
The idiom can be used in a literal sense to refer to physically keeping a house in good condition. This includes tasks such as repairing the structure, painting, and ensuring that all systems within the house are functioning properly.
Additionally, "keep house" can be used metaphorically to describe organizing or controlling something other than a physical household. It can be applied to managing a business, leading a team, or running a country. The term implies a sense of responsibility and control over the affairs being managed.
It is important to recognize that "keep house" encompasses the many aspects involved in maintaining a household, both physically and emotionally. It serves as a reminder of the significance of creating a well-functioning and harmonious home environment. This idiom has evolved over time to reflect the changing nature of households and society as a whole.
The related idiom "clean house" shares a similar meaning with "keep house." It refers to the act of thoroughly cleaning and tidying a house. This can include tasks such as dusting, vacuuming, and organizing. Cleaning house not only improves the physical appearance of a home but also contributes to a sense of order and cleanliness.
Another related idiom is "put one's house in order." This idiom suggests the act of organizing and arranging one's personal affairs or priorities. It signifies taking control and ensuring that everything is in a proper and orderly state. Putting one's house in order can bring a sense of clarity and preparedness to various aspects of life.
The idiom "keep house" conveys the responsibility of managing a household and maintaining a harmonious home environment. It has both literal and metaphorical meanings, encompassing the physical tasks as well as the emotional and organizational aspects of housekeeping. The related idioms "clean house" and "put one's house in order" further emphasize the importance of cleanliness, order, and organization in both the physical and metaphorical sense. These idioms serve as reminders of the significance of a well-maintained and well-managed household and its impact on overall well-being.
Example usage
Examples:
- She enjoys keeping house and taking care of her family.
- After retirement, he decided to keep house and take care of the household chores.
- They hired a housekeeper to help them keep house while they are at work.
More "Home" idioms
