English > English |
|
keep on |
1. v. (transitive, idiomatic) To persist or continue. |
|
Keep on trucking! |
|
Mum, Jimmy keeps on poking me! |
|
2. v. (intransitive, idiomatic) To persist in talking about a subject to the annoyance of the listener. |
|
For goodness sake, will you stop keeping on about it! |
|
3. v. (transitive, idiomatic) To cause or allow to remain in an existing position. |
|
The new boss would like to keep on the present secretary. |
|
Analysis |
|
keep |
1. v. To continue in (a course or mode of action); not to intermit or fall from; to uphold or maintain. |
|
to keep silence; to keep one's word; to keep possession |
|
2. v. (heading, transitive) To hold the status of something. |
|
3. v. To maintain possession of. |
|
I keep a small stock of painkillers for emergencies. |
|
on |
1. adj. In the state of being active, functioning or operating. |
|
2. adj. Performing according to schedule. |
|
Are we still on for tonight? |
|
Is the show still on? |
|
3. adj. (chiefly UK, informal, usually negative) Acceptable, appropriate. |
|