English Reference
Idiom idiom

keep up with the times


To change one's ideas, views or way of living in order to stay current or modern.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

You should update your software to keep up with the times.

CONTEXTUAL

My grandfather started using a smartphone because he wants to keep up with the times and talk to his family.

COMPLEX

Businesses must constantly adapt their strategies to keep up with the times, or they risk becoming irrelevant in an ever-changing global market.


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

    fast times

    A period of time characterized by quickly-paced activity, especially involving extravagant or risky conduct, sexual behavior, or other exciting events.

  4. 04

    get with the times

    To become aware of modern trends, words or ideas.

  5. 05

    gift that keeps on giving

    Something with continuous (typically positive) consequences.

  6. 06

    good times

    Referring to a specific period of time, whether the speaker’s present circumstances or a past era recalled with nostalgia, as agreeable or enjoyable, occasionally with an ironic connotation.

  7. 07

    keep a civil tongue in one's head

    To maintain a polite manner of speaking.

  8. 08

    keep a close watch

    to pay careful attention to a situation or a thing, so that you can deal with any changes or problems.

Last updated August 10, 2026