for keeps

Idioms  

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

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

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

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Example Sentences

Rescuers had provided him with more than ten liters of water to keep him hydrated via a hose and installed a tube to provide him with oxygen.

From Barron's • Jul. 3, 2026

Second, let’s assume your Social Security benefit at FRA is $1,000 per month, simply to keep the math easy to follow.

From MarketWatch • Jul. 3, 2026

Bank Negara Malaysia is widely expected to keep its policy rate unchanged at 2.75% on Thursday, as inflation remains manageable.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 3, 2026

Play soft music to drown out fireworks blasts and give your pet something to do, like putting treats inside an interactive toy, to keep them calm and happy.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 3, 2026

How everything I’ve done over the last bit of forever to keep everyone happy has blown up in my face.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam