play for keeps

play for keeps (American & Australian, informal)

to do something very seriously and not just for enjoyment. These arms dealers play for keeps - they want the best weapons available and will do anything to get them.

See also: keep, play

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play for keeps

to do something with very serious concern about the results. These bargaining sessions are most difficult because both sides are playing for keeps. In many New York publishing houses, softball is played for keeps.

See also: keep, play