keep up: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘keep up’ mean?
The idiom "keep up" means to maintain the same level or pace, or to continue at a sufficient rate. It can refer to staying informed or being able to match or compete with others.
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 up with the Joneses" means to try to match or rival the lifestyle or possessions of one's neighbors or peers, often driven by the desire for social status or recognition.
The idiom "keep up appearances" means to maintain a certain image or perception, often to hide the true situation or feelings.
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 the peace" means to maintain harmony, calm, and order in a situation or relationship, usually by preventing conflict or resolving disputes.
The idiom "keep the ball rolling" means to keep an activity or conversation going, to maintain progress or momentum in a situation. It suggests the idea of keeping things moving forward and not allowing them to come to a standstill.
The idiom "keep tabs on" means to monitor or keep a close watch on someone or something. It implies staying informed or updated about the activities, progress, or whereabouts of a person or situation.
The idiom *keep straight* means to continue in the same direction or to maintain a clear and honest approach without deviation.
The idiom "keep someone posted" means to regularly inform or update someone about a particular situation or event. It is commonly used in formal and informal settings to express the need for ongoing communication and keeping others informed.
Decoding "Keep Up"
The idiom "keep pace" is a closely related phrase to "keep up". It is often used to describe the act of maintaining the same speed or progress as someone or something else. In this context, "keep pace" emphasizes the need to match or stay on par with others, particularly in terms of performance or achievement. It suggests the importance of not lagging behind and keeping up with the same level of progress or success.
Similarly, the idiom "keep it up" is another related phrase that conveys encouragement and support. It is often used to motivate and commend someone for their efforts or achievements. The phrase implies the need to continue or sustain a positive action or behavior. "Keep it up" serves as an expression of praise and reinforces the importance of persistence and dedication.
Another related idiom is "keep on", which shares a similar meaning with "keep up". "Keep on" is commonly used to describe the act of continuing or persisting in a particular action or behavior. It implies the need to sustain an ongoing effort or activity without interruption. It emphasizes the importance of not giving up and staying committed to a course of action or goal.
The idioms "keep pace", "keep it up", and "keep on" are closely connected to the phrase "keep up". They all highlight the significance of maintaining a certain level, pace, or commitment. Whether it involves matching the progress of others, sustaining a positive action, or persisting in a course of action, these idiomatic expressions emphasize the value of ongoing effort, dedication, and perseverance.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "keep up" can be used in a sentence include:
- She was struggling to keep up with the fast-paced conversation.
- They need to keep up with the new technology in order to stay competitive.
- I'm trying to keep up with my exercise routine, but it's been challenging.
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