for keeps

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For the winner to retain, as in You can't take the marbles back; we were playing for keeps. [Mid-1800s]

For an indefinitely long time, forever, as in She is leaving town for keeps.

In earnest, seriously, as in We're separating for keeps. [Late 1800s]

QUIZ

TAKE JOY IN ACING THIS QUIZ ON “PRIDE” SYNONYMS

Hold your head up high as you embark on this quiz that explores some of the synonyms and meanings of “pride.”

Question 1 of 7

What does "dignity" mean?

Words nearby for keeps

Sands was involved in a scandalous-for-the-time romance with the carpenter and there were rumors she was pregnant with his child.
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Like his old man, he keeps it reined in, but when talking about fishing, a true regret seeps out.
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I notice he moves at a slightly slower pace than everyone else, and keeps his gestures compact.
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The possibility that the same outcome could happen another way -- namely a guy asks me out -- keeps me from taking action.
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There was no mistaking this for the gaudiness and gilt of made-for-TV awards shows.
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But ef Jos keeps on, airnin' ez much ez he hez so fur, he's goin' ter pay the Injun part on 't, when he cums.
Ramona|Helen Hunt Jackson
A groom is a chap, that a gentleman keeps to clean his 'osses, and be blown up, when things go wrong.
The Book of Anecdotes and Budget of Fun;|Various
A coquette is said to be an imperfect incarnation of Cupid, as she keeps her beau, and not her arrows, in a quiver.
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Twenty dollars a month is the salary, and school keeps for six months, so I shall earn the large sum of $120 a year.
The Soldier of the Valley|Nelson Lloyd
Augustus Theodore swings on a chair before the fire, which he keeps at work for his own especial consolation.
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, No. CCCXXXIX. January, 1844. Vol. LV.|Various