keep (something) in bounds

1. To ensure that something remains polite, civil, or in good taste. I will ask again that both candidates please keep the debate in bounds. Keep your jokes in bounds, OK?

2. sports To keep the ball, puck, etc., inside the boundary of play. The referee ruled that the player kept the ball in bounds before scoring the goal.

See also: bound, keep

See also:

keep it that way
keep (something) by
keep by
keep away
keep away (from someone or something)
be asking for trouble
be looking for trouble
keep (one's) eyes on (someone or something)
keep (one's) lips sealed
keep faith with (someone or something)

All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. This information should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional.