keep time

1. Maintain the correct tempo and rhythm of music; also, mark the rhythm by foot-tapping, hand movements, or the like. For example, The children love to keep time by clapping their hands . This usage dates from the late 1500s and is occasionally put figuratively, as Ben Jonson did in Cynthia's Revels (1699): “Slow, slow, fresh fount, keep time with my salt tears.”

2. Also, keep good time . Indicate the correct time, as in This inexpensive watch does not keep good time . [Late 1800s]

Example Sentences

You can cycle fast or slow, as long as you keep time to the beat.

From The Daily Beast

And over the course of all 10 books, Sjöwall and Wahlöö keep time as close to then-current events.

From The Daily Beast

She looked like a dance-hall hostess from one of those joints where everything goes so long as you keep time to the music.

From Project Gutenberg

Pierre pulled harder in his frenzy, and "number two" could not keep time with his wild stroke.

From Project Gutenberg

The old gentleman hummed a song under his breath and slapped his reins against the flanks of the plodding horse to keep time.

From Project Gutenberg

Sam repeated the push, careful to keep time with the stub and push always just as it began to swing away from him.

From Project Gutenberg

Clocks and watches are often called “timekeepers,” but they do not keep time.

From Project Gutenberg