10 English Expressions With Keep

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.

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10 Expressions with keep

English vocabulary: 10 English expressions with keep. From intermediate to advanced English with www.englishlessonviaskype.com #learnenglish #englishlessons #EnglishTeacher #vocabulary #ingles #อังกฤษ #английский #aprenderingles #english #cursodeingles #учианглийский #vocabulário #dicasdeingles #learningenglish #ingilizce #englishgrammar #englishvocabulary #ielts #idiomas

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. 

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Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

INSANITY: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

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

English vocabulary: 10 English expressions with keep. From intermediate to advanced English with www.englishlessonviaskype.com #learnenglish #englishlessons #EnglishTeacher #vocabulary #ingles #อังกฤษ #английский #aprenderingles #english #cursodeingles #учианглийский #vocabulário #dicasdeingles #learningenglish #ingilizce #englishgrammar #englishvocabulary #ielts #idiomas

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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

English vocabulary: 10 English expressions with keep. From intermediate to advanced English with www.englishlessonviaskype.com #learnenglish #englishlessons #EnglishTeacher #vocabulary #ingles #อังกฤษ #английский #aprenderingles #english #cursodeingles #учианглийский #vocabulário #dicasdeingles #learningenglish #ingilizce #englishgrammar #englishvocabulary #ielts #idiomas

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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.

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More information

For more information on English grammar rules, English collocations and English idioms, check out the links below:

10 Ways to say ‘I don’t know’

Phrasal verbs about relationships

Plenty of free resources are available at Learning English with the BBC

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