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English Phrase of the Day

keep on



Definitions

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.

Example Sentences

They best keep on their toes. 
We've just got to keep on living in spite of that, in defiance of it, and try to find joy, because otherwise there's nothing. 



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