keep up
To continue with (work, etc).
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“You need to walk faster to keep up with me.”
“The class is moving very quickly, and I am struggling to keep up with the lessons.”
“Despite the rapid evolution of technology in his field, he manages to keep up with the latest developments through constant study.”
From Middle English *kepen up*, used to denote the act of perpetuating, maintaining, or preserving. It is a phrasal construction equivalent to the modern *keep* and *up*.
- 01
cobbler, keep to your last
One should not criticise matters outside one's field of expertise; one should mind one's business.
- 02
earn one's keep
To perform satisfactory physical labor or to provide other worthy services in return for remuneration, lodging, or other benefits; to support oneself financially.
- 03
gift that keeps on giving
Something with continuous (typically positive) consequences.
- 04
keep a civil tongue in one's head
To maintain a polite manner of speaking.
- 05
keep a close watch
to pay careful attention to a situation or a thing, so that you can deal with any changes or problems.
- 06
keep a cool head
To keep one's cool; to stay calm.
- 07
keep a lid on
To keep something secret.
- 08
keep a low profile
To be discreet and quiet.
Last updated August 10, 2026