# keep it real

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/keep-it-real
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

In the imperative, an exhortation used as a departing salutation.

## Examples

- See you later, keep it real.
- I am heading out now, so take care and keep it real.
- As the evening drew to a close, he offered a final nod to his friends and told them to keep it real.

## Origin

From keep + it + real.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.