keeping up with the Joneses

1. Striving to achieve or own as much as the people around you: “If you want to keep up with the Joneses in this neighborhood, you will have to own at least three cars.”

Idioms and Phrases

see keep up, def. 1.

Example Sentences

With TikTok and Instagram reels constantly bombarding you with ads and influencer promotions, it’s hard not to feel like you’re missing out if you’re not buying the latest products and keeping up with the Joneses.

From Salon

This is what Bodge refers as “keeping up with the Joneses” which refers to trying to keep up with the expectations of other people rather than what is realistic for you to spend.

From Seattle Times

"I probably would have listened to much more sensible advice and probably steered more by earning more money and keeping up with the Joneses."

From BBC

Keeping up with the Joneses -- social envy -- can push people toward things they might otherwise avoid, like buying a car they can't afford or building an extension they don't need.

From Science Daily

My mother now has a very strong case of “keeping up with the Joneses” when they are here.

From Slate