– examples
“That trial was a disgrace! I expected a fair and honest trial, and instead we have a kangaroo court who chose not to listen, but to convict to ‘send a message’.”
The lesson here is to not commit a crime in a foreign country: one kangaroo court is all that is needed to ruin you, and appealing is almost impossible.
keep abreast
– examples
The manager asked them to keep him abreast of any developments in the merger talks.
“I find that if I do not keep abreast of the news, I feel I am getting stupider.”
keep at bay
– examples
By working two jobs and borrowing from friends he has managed to keep the debt-collectors at bay, but this can’t last forever.
So far United have managed to keep City at bay, but there are still thirty minutes to go. I’m not sure they will manage to the end of the game.
keep it under your hat
– examples
“We got married last week, but keep it under your hat for now: I want to make an official announcement at the party this week.”
keep mum
– examples
“I’m sorry, I can’t keep mum about this any longer. She is ruining your life!”
keep (me) posted
– examples
The boss asked Anna to keep him posted of any changes in the negotiations; so far, however, there has been no movement.
keep (someone) at arm's length
– examples
“She seems nice, but I would keep her at arm’s length until you have you have decided what you want to do: you shouldn’t start a relationship if you have no interest in keeping it.”
keep (you) on (your) toes
– examples
The key to being a good badminton player is to keep on your toes, even after you think you have hit a winning shot.
“I like the new boss: he keeps the staff on their toes, which has made the company far more profitable, and as a result everyone is happier.”
Some people become slow and not very fun after they get into a relationship, but Anna keeps Dave on his toes. He seems more active than before, as if he is scared of losing her.
keep (your) cool
– examples
To be a good paramedic you need to know how to keep your cool in an emergency.
Anna can never keep her cool when he says nice things about his ex-wife.
keep (your) chin up
– examples
“I know breaking up with her has been hard, but keep your chin up. Things will be better in the future.”
keep the wolf from the door
– examples
Times are tough, and the only way they have been able to keep the wolf from the door is by borrowing money from her parents. They are both looking for new jobs, but if things stay like this they might leave the country.
keep up with the Joneses
– examples
He is terrible at saving money; it seems each week he spends a small fortune trying to keep up with the Joneses, which is a shame. He needs to accept he isn’t a rich man.
“You bought a new sofa? Why, so your friends will think we’re rich? Look, if we waste all our money trying to keep up with the Joneses then we will never have enough to go on the round-the-world trip we want to.”
keep (your) ear to the ground
– examples
Dave always keeps his ear to the ground for new job opportunities and customers. This is why his business has done so well.
“Keep your ear to the ground for any news about redundancies. I’ve heard the new management are planning to cut costs.”
keep (your) eyes peeled
– examples
The station was very crowded. Their dad told the kids to keep their eyes peeled for their mother.
“Alright, keep your eyes peeled for the sign for exit 10. I don’t want to miss it.”
keep (your) pants on
– examples
Alright, keep your pants on. I know the flight is cancelled, but we’ll just get a later flight. We won’t miss the party, don’t worry.
keep (your) shirt on
– examples
“Ok, ok, keep your shirt on! I’ll bring your book back later today.”
keep (your) head above water
– examples
Since losing his job, Philip has found it difficult to keep his head above water.
The company has only just managed to keep its head above water this year. Next year, hopefully, things will improve.
keep (your) head
– examples
It is important that a police officer can keep his head in a difficult situation, especially if they are carrying guns: we don’t want cops shooting people.
“They are going to try to annoy you, so just keep your head and keep playing.”
a different kettle of fish
– examples
“Going with you to the basketball was one thing, but the ballet? Thats a different kettle of fish. I’m afraid you’re on your own.”
Beating City was a good result, but United are a different kettle of fish; I think they will be lucky to get a draw.
a kick in the teeth
– examples
Being dumped was bad, but her taking the dog too was a real kick in the teeth.
kick the bucket
– examples
He has been a lot happier since his father kicked the bucket; they never liked each other.
kick (something) into touch
– examples
Dave proposed a few changes, but his boss quickly kicked them into touch. Dave thinks it is because his boss doesn’t like him.
(handle with) kid gloves
– examples
“This project is very important to us, so treat the clients with kid gloves. Keep them happy until they sign.
The principal said young students need to be handled with kid gloves: even if they are misbehaving, a teacher can’t get too angry with them. Anna, however, disagrees. She thinks discipline should be done early.
kill two birds with one stone
– examples
Dave thought that he would hire a person who could speak French as well as run the office, therefore killing two birds with one stone.
“I’ll bring you your money tomorrow.”
“How about you bring that fan over at the same time; that way we can kill two birds with one stone.”