ENGLISH
REFERENCE

keep up

idiom
Meaning

To continue with (work, etc).

Origin

disputed origin

From Middle English kepen up (“to perpetuate, maintain, preserve”), equivalent to keep + up.

Examples
SIMPLE

You need to walk faster to keep up with me.

CONTEXTUAL

The class is moving very quickly, and I am struggling to keep up with the lessons.

COMPLEX

Despite the rapid evolution of technology in his field, he manages to keep up with the latest developments through constant study.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    cobbler, keep to your last

    One should not criticise matters outside one's field of expertise; one should mind one's business.

  2. 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.

  3. 03

    gift that keeps on giving

    Something with continuous (typically positive) consequences.

  4. 04

    keep a civil tongue in one's head

    To maintain a polite manner of speaking.

  5. 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.

  6. 06

    keep a cool head

    To keep one's cool; to stay calm.

  7. 07

    keep a lid on

    To keep something secret.

  8. 08

    keep a low profile

    To be discreet and quiet.

Last updated April 17, 2026