for keeps
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for keeps
1. For a very long period of time, possibly forever. I'm sorry, but you're stuck with me. As my husband, you have me for keeps.
2. For one to maintain or take ownership of. I would have returned the mug to you sooner, but I thought you gave it to me for keeps.
3. With determination to do or complete something. This is it, girls, the last game of the season. So go out there and play for keeps.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
for keeps
forever. Does that mean I'm going to have this scar for keeps? This is yours for keeps. Enjoy it.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
for keeps
1. For the winner to retain, as in You can't take the marbles back; we were playing for keeps. [Mid-1800s]
2. For an indefinitely long time, forever, as in She is leaving town for keeps.
3. In earnest, seriously, as in We're separating for keeps. [Late 1800s]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
for keeps
permanently, indefinitely. informal 2005 Taipei Times When he quits for keeps, Sanders probably will be asked to return to the TV studio.
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
for ˈkeeps
(informal) permanently; for ever: ‘Are you really giving me this beautiful ring?’ ‘Yes, it’s yours. For keeps.’Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
for keeps
mod. forever. Does that mean I’m going to have this scar for keeps?
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
for keeps
1. For an indefinitely long period: gave the ring to me for keeps.
2. Seriously and permanently: We're separating for keeps.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.