keep one's options open
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
English · UK & Ireland 352
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Where will you be? Anywhere UK & IrelandUnited StatesOnline slangBusiness jargon
Expressions you’ll hear in Britain and Ireland — distinctly British usage first, then widespread staples.
keep one's pants on
To remain calm and patient
keep one's pecker up
To remain cheerful and optimistic despite difficulties
keep one's powder dry
To prepare for a future challenge or opportunity
keep one's stick on the ice
remain prepared and alert
keep one's temper
remain calm and composed, especially in a difficult situation
keep one's tits on
remain calm and composed
keep one's voice down
Speak quietly to avoid being overheard or disturbing others
keep pace
To maintain the same rate or speed as something else
keep quiet
To remain silent and not speak
keep shtum
To remain silent or keep a secret
keep someone amused
Entertain someone and hold their attention
keep someone busy
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
keep someone company
To stay with someone to provide companionship
keep someone in the loop
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
keep someone on ice
To delay or put someone's plans on hold
keep someone on their toes
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
keep someone posted
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
keep someone sweet
To keep someone in a good mood or pleased
keep straight
to behave or speak honestly and correctly
keep tabs on
Monitor or track someone's activities
keep the ball rolling
To maintain momentum or progress in a project or activity
keep the bones green
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
keep the home fires burning
To maintain a stable home life while someone is away
keep the peace
Maintain harmony and avoid conflict
keep the pot boiling
To maintain a situation or activity at a steady level of interest or excitement
keep the rent down
to reduce or minimize expenses
keep the rent low
Maintain a low cost of living or expenses
keep the show on the road
to continue or maintain an activity or situation
keep the wolf from the door
To manage to survive financially
keep up
to maintain the same pace or level as something
keep up with the times
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
keep watch
To stay alert and monitor a situation
keep your chin up
Remain cheerful.
keep your friends close, and your enemies closer
One should be politic to the point of employing duplicity, lulling one's enemies into a false sense of collaboration.
Keep your powder dry (Valentine Blacker, 1834 from Oliver's Advice)
Be prepared for action, but wait for the right moment.
kernel of truth
A small amount of truth within a larger false statement
keys to the kingdom
Complete control or authority over something
kick a dog when it's down
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
kick against the pricks
To resist or fight against something that is inevitable or unstoppable
kick ass
to do something very well or successfully
kick ass and take names
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
kick at an open door
to take an unnecessary or easy action
kick at the can
to procrastinate or delay taking action
kick back
relax and enjoy oneself
kick bollocks scramble
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
kick butt
to do something very well or successfully
kick in
to start working or having an effect
kick in the teeth
A severe disappointment or setback
kick into the long grass
To delay or avoid making a decision or taking action
kick into touch
To dismiss or evade a problem or issue
kick it
to start or begin something
kick loose
to escape or break free from something
kick off
start or initiate an event or activity
kick one's heels
To wait impatiently or idly
kick out
to force someone to leave a place
kick out the jams
To express oneself freely and energetically, often through music or performance
kick rocks
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
kick some tail
Recognized English idiom; full definition pending editorial review.
kick some tires
Examine or test something informally