keep up with the times—remain informed about the latest news, fashions, etc.: For people who keep up with the times, this is the perfect opportunity to check out new products. time-keeper— 1. a person who records or manages the time: Band members will wait for the instruction of the time-keeper before going on stage. 2. […]
Difference between Keep to oneself and Retire into oneself
keep to oneself —(also: keep oneself to oneself ) remain unsociable; avoid meeting other people: He’d kept to himself on that trip, not really making eye contact or talking to the locals. retire into oneself—become quiet and unwilling to talk: When she saw that complaints did not alter me, she retired into herself, as it […]
Difference between Keep the wheels turning and Spin the wheels
keep the wheels turning —(also: keep the ball rolling) keep an activity, process, etc. going: His class interest tells him to supply the public with as much purchasing power as possible, to keep the wheels turning. spin the wheels—(U.S. coll.) act in a listless or unproductive manner: You will have to spend at least two […]
Difference between Keep the seat warm and Warm the bench
keep the seat warm—occupy a position temporarily for a person who is not yet ready or qualified to hold it: They are using Kim to just keep the seat warm till they find somebody who can win them an election. Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase keep one’s seat—(also: hold […]
Difference between Keep the ball rolling and Keep the pot boiling
keep the ball rolling —(also: keep the wheels turning) keep an activity, process, etc. going: The first step is to feed your body healthy food so you’ll have the energy to keep the ball rolling. keep the pot boiling— 1. earn enough money to provide one’s livelihood: Not only has doing portraits of people kept […]
Difference between Keep something in mind and Keep something in one’s head
keep something in mind—remember and think about smth.; not forget smth: We have no vacancies now, but we’ll certainly keep your application in mind. Note: The expression is not equivalent in meaning to the phrase keep one’s mind on something—(also: have one’s mind on something) continue to pay attention to smth.; not be distracted from […]
Difference between Keep something for oneself and Keep something to oneself
keep something for oneself—save smth. for one’s own use: I actually bought you those slippers, but liked them so much I decided to keep them for myself. keep something to oneself—keep information, etc. secret from other people: Please continue to keep these facts to yourself for a little while longer, Paul.
Difference between Keep something dark and Throw light on something
keep something dark—keep smth. secret: Latham had given the impression that he knew all about the subject but wanted to keep it dark. throw light on something—(also: shed light on something) clarify or explain smth.: An Australian fossil related to a species known in Argentina may throw light on the continent’s geographical past.
Difference between Keep someone on track and Keep track of someone
keep someone on track—keep a person focused on a task, etc.: Stephen begins to speak softly and I keep him on track by moving my finger along with the words he reads. keep track of someone—continue to be informed or know about smb.: Has anyone even seen John recently? He’s been so busy lately we […]
Difference between Keep someone in something and Keep someone to something
keep someone in something—provide a person with smth. such as food, etc.: The uniforms were goofy, but the food was free and the money kept me in clothes and rock music. keep someone to something— 1. cause a person to talk about smth. without letting his attention wander: Your patient may require guidance to keep […]
Difference between Keep someone down and Keep someone under
keep someone down— 1. (also: hold someone down) cause a person to remain in a lower position: John tried to look in that direction but a crisscrossing hail of laser fire kept him down. 2. (also: hold someone down) oppress or hold back a person: He told me that “every company” he had worked for had […]
Difference between Keep someone away from something and Keep someone out of something
keep someone away from something— 1. cause a person not to come near smth.: The police used tear gas to keep the crowd away from the factory compound. 2. cause a person to avoid smth. harmful: I would never have imagined it would be so hard to keep her away from sweets. 3. cause a […]