stay

keep/stay in touch

to continue to communicate with someone. Her family have kept in touch with me since her death. (often + with) Do stay in touch after you've moved, won't you?

See also: keep, touch

keep/stay one step ahead

be one step ahead - to be slightly better prepared or more successful than someone else. Crop breeders are continuously developing pesticides to keep one step ahead of the pests. (usually + of)

See also: ahead, keep, step

stay ahead of the game

be ahead of the game - to know more about the most recent developments in a particular subject or activity than the people or companies with whom you are competing. Staying ahead of the game in these days of rapid technological advancements is no easy task.

See also: ahead, game

stay on the sidelines

to not be actively involved in something. The majority of western countries decided to stay on the sidelines during the crisis in the Middle East.

See also: sideline

stay the course

to continue to do something that is difficult or takes a long time until it is finished. Giving up smoking won't be easy - you must be prepared to stay the course.

See also: course

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stay abreast of something

to have the most recent information about something. Regional conferences provide the opportunity for everyone to stay abreast of the latest developments in our field of research.

up to speed

See also: abreast

stay over

to spend one or more nights in a place away from home. She decided to stay over in Boston for the long weekend. Ask your mom if you can stay over with us tonight.

sleep over

See also: over

stay put

to stay where you are. Just stay put until I get the car.

stay the course

to continue doing something, even when it is difficult. I will stay the course and finish the job I was hired to do.

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of a ship continuing in the same direction, even in bad conditions

See also: course