keep on: Idiom Meaning and Origin

What does ‘keep on’ mean?

The idiom "keep on" means to continue doing something without stopping or to persist in doing something despite difficulties or obstacles.

Idiom Explorer

Perseverance Personified

The idiom "keep on" is a verb phrase that is primarily used to express the act of continuing or persisting in an action or behavior. It is a versatile expression that can be used in various contexts and scenarios to convey the idea of persistence or continuous action. For example, one might say "keep on studying" to encourage someone to continue their efforts in learning or "keep on trying" to motivate someone to persevere in their endeavors.

One related idiom to "keep on" is "carry on". This expression is often used interchangeably with "keep on" to convey the same idea of persistence or continuous action. Both idioms emphasize the importance of not giving up and continuing one's efforts despite challenges or setbacks. When faced with obstacles, it is crucial to carry on or keep on, pushing forward and not letting difficulties deter one's progress.

Continue to persist and keep on proceeding.

Another related idiom to "keep on" is "keep it up". This idiomatic expression is often used to encourage someone to maintain their current level of effort or performance. Just like "keep on", "keep it up" emphasizes the idea of persistence and continuous action. By telling someone to keep it up, you are acknowledging their current efforts and motivating them to continue in the same manner.

The versatility of the idiom "keep on" makes it a valuable expression in both informal and formal English. Its prevalence in everyday speech reflects its importance in conveying the message of persistence. Whether used in a motivational or literal sense, "keep on" encourages individuals to continue their efforts and persevere in the face of challenges.

The idiom "keep on" holds a special place in the lexicon of idiomatic expressions. Its usage continues to resonate with people across different contexts, making it a powerful tool for motivation and encouragement. "keep on" is more than just a simple phrase. It is a reminder to never give up and to persist in the pursuit of one's goals and dreams. So, keep on going, carry on, and keep it up!

Example usage

Examples:

  1. She kept on practicing the piano until she became an accomplished musician.
  2. The team kept on working tirelessly to meet the deadline.
  3. Despite the setbacks, he kept on pursuing his dream of becoming an actor.

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