Today, we’re going to take a look at expressions with keep.
To keep (kept, kept) means to hold on to.
I will keep… That means I will hold on to that.
You keep that. – means you hold onto that.
Table of Contents
Harry
10 Expressions with keep

This is Harry, and welcome to my English learning podcast Speak Better English with Harry where I try to help you to understand English expressions, idioms, and phrasal verbs.
Intermediate to Advanced English Marathon

INSANITY: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
Albert Einstein
- What you'll learn:
- better understanding of more complex grammar structures
- advanced English vocabulary words
- British & American slang
- perfect your listening skills through practing different accents
- This marathon is for you if you're:
- stuck at an intermediate English level
- tired of confusing explanations
- a mature student
- shy & introverted
So let’s look at some expressions with ‘keep’
to keep at arm’s length
Meaning: arm’s length literally means the length of your arm. To not come so close to someone. To keep your distance there, to stand a little bit away from someone. To avoid close contact.
And in the current climate of social distancing, as the governments are trying to impose on us with the Coronavirus, we all have to get used to keeping our distance.
Example:
I like to keep my colleagues at work at arm’s length.
Meaning I don’t want to get too close to them. Yes, I like them. I like working with them, but they’re not my best friends.
I keep my social contacts at arm’s length because of the virus.
Next expression
to keep awake
Meaning: to not sleep, to remain awake, to keep your eyes open
Examples:
I’m working hard, long hours, I find it hard to keep awake.
Kids love to keep awake at Christmas time when they think they’re going to spot Santa Claus.
I found it hard to keep awake in a presentation, it was so boring.
10 Expressions with keep

Share and help other students to improve English language skills.
to keep busy
Meaning: to have work to do, to keep yourself occupied, to be active
Examples:
I like to keep myself busy. I feel like crazy when I have too much of free time.
Since he had been retired, he kept himself busy around the house with different activities.
Next expression
to keep calm
Meaning: to not panic, to not get stressed
Examples:
All employees were asked to keep calm and follow the authorities advise.
In preparation for World War II, the British public was asked to keep calm and carry on.
to keep a secret
Meaning: to not share information with somebody
Example:
Can you keep my secret? If I tell you this, will you promise not to tell anybody else?
10 Expressions with keep
to keep informed/to be kept informed
Meaning: to know what is happening
Examples:
The government ministers always want to keep the Prime Minister informed.
Our CEO likes to be kept informed as to what is happening in our various offices.
We like to be kept informed as to what is happening in our family.
Keep them informed as to what progress is going to be made with this business deal.
to keep a low profile
Meaning: to avoid attracting attention to yourself
Examples:
If I were you, I would keep a low profile for the next few weeks. Things will blow over.
Traditionally, presidents have kept a low profile after leaving office.
keep your shirt on
Meaning: to stay calm, to not get overly excited about something, to be patient
Example:
Keep your shirt on! We have been waiting for only 5 minutes.
10 Expressions with keep

Share and help other students to improve English language skills.
keep your mouth shut
Meaning: an informal and rude way to ask someone to be quiet, to not say a word
Example:
Please don’t say anything. I’m embarrassed enough already. It’s my mistake. Keep your mouth shut.
keep (someone) waiting
Meaning: to make someone wait for a while until you have time for them
Example:
I’m sorry to have kept you waiting. Please come with me on.
My GP is so busy, he always keeps me waiting.
So here are the expressions with keep for today:
- to keep arm’s length
- to keep awake
- keep busy
- keep calm
- to keep informed/be kept informed
- to keep a low profile
- to keep a secret
- to keep your shirt on
- to keep your mouth shut
- to keep waiting
Okay, so thanks for listening again. As always, if you have any comments or you want me to add anything or to include anything you can get me on www.englishlessonviaskype.com. I am always happy to talk to you.
book your trial English Lesson
More information
For more information on English grammar rules, English collocations and English idioms, check out the links below:
Phrasal verbs about relationships
Plenty of free resources are available at Learning English with the BBC
You will love these English lessons

Advanced English Expressions With At
Learn advanced English expressions with at. Fixed expressions will help you quickly achieve fluency in English and sound more like

Common Phrasal Verbs with UP
Here you will learn common phrasal verbs with up. Detailed meanings and examples. Wrap up, let up, hold up, clear

Phrasal Verbs with Work
Here you will learn 12 Phrasal Verbs with Work. to work around, to work on, to work towards something and