for keeps
8
6.3
- idiom
- Informal
:
de verdad
- The only thing I do know is that these guys play for keeps.
- play for keeps
Examples
-
He's yours, this time for keeps.
-
I'm here for keeps, friend.
Fiction book (1991) -
Only this time, we play for keeps.
-
This time it's for keeps.
-
With your help we can put him away for keeps.
-
The Agency plays for keeps.
-
Before two months had passed, we knew we were in it for keeps.
Blog text (2) -
Only one side is playing for keeps here.
Blog text (6) -
I'm with you for keeps.
-
This time, we are playing for keeps, so give it your best effort.
Synonyms
237
2.8
Forever, not coming back to how things were before
218
2.9
Stays the same for all time
Antonyms
How Permanent
12
1.4
218
2.9
- Informal
8
6.3
106
3.4
∞
1.0
189
3.4
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'permanently' relates to 'keep' (to retain) combined with 'for' marking duration, so a learner who knows both words could plausibly infer a lasting or non-temporary sense. However, the fixed pluralised form 'for keeps' is idiomatic and not fully predictable from the parts alone (it functions like 'for good'), so it is only partially transparent to B1 learners.
Etymology
For keeps may come from children's games where the winner got to keep the marbles or toys they won. So when we say something is for keeps, we mean it is 'permanent' or 'not temporary'.