keep up
To continue at the same speed or level as others, or to stop someone from sleeping.
Meanings
To maintain the same pace as others or as required.
"The younger students walked so fast that the older ones struggled to keep up."
To continue maintaining a standard, effort, or practice.
"You've been doing really well in your studies — keep up the good work."
To prevent someone from sleeping.
"The noise from the party next door kept us up until after midnight."
To maintain regular payments, repairs, or the condition of something.
"It's expensive to keep up a large house — the maintenance costs alone are significant."
Extremely common and versatile. Key senses: (1) maintaining pace; (2) maintaining a standard or habit; (3) preventing sleep; (4) maintaining property. Often used without an object. 'Keep it up' (as encouragement) is a fixed phrase derived from this.
Commonly used with
Forms
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Synonyms
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