keep down
To stay low, to stop something from going up or getting bigger, or to be able to eat without being sick.
Meanings
To stay low physically, especially to avoid being seen or hit.
"The soldiers kept down behind the wall until the shooting stopped."
To prevent prices, costs, or levels from increasing.
"The new deal with suppliers helped the company keep its production costs down."
To oppress or prevent a person or group from achieving power, freedom, or advancement.
"For decades, the regime kept the rural population down through poverty and lack of education."
"You've got to keep the people down."
— Roger Waters, 'Pigs (Three Different Ones)', Pink Floyd — 'Animals' album (1977)
(Of food or drink) to stay in the stomach without being vomited up.
"After the surgery she could barely keep any food down for several days."
Has a range of meanings: physical (stay low, as in a military context), economic (keep costs/prices down), political (oppressing a group), and digestive (keeping food down when ill). The economic and political senses are particularly common.
Commonly used with
Forms
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Synonyms
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