keep (one's) end up

keep (one's) end up

To do as was promised in an agreement or bargain; to carry through with what one agreed to do. OK, I've delivered the cash as you instructed. Now you have to keep your end up! My dad said he'd buy me a car if I got a 4.0 this semester, so I've got to ace this test if I want to keep my end up.

See also: end, keep, up

keep one's end up

 

1. Lit. to hold one's end of a load so that the load is level. Be sure to keep your end up while we go up the stairs. Try to keep up your end.

2. . Fig. to carry through on one's part of a bargain. You have to keep your end up like the rest of us. Don't worry, I'll keep up my end.

See also: end, keep, up

keep your end up

or

hold your end up

BRITISH, INFORMAL

If you keep your end up or hold your end up in a particular situation, you do what you have promised to do or what you are expected to do. But David, despite being nervous, holds his end up brilliantly, making his points clearly and concisely. We signed a contract and we've worked hard to keep our end up. Now they must do the same.

See also: end, keep, up

keep (or hold) your end up

perform well in a difficult or competitive situation. informal

See also: end, keep, up

keep your ˈend up

(British English, informal) stay cheerful or perform well in a difficult situation: She managed to keep her end up even though she was suffering from flu. ♢ I had trouble keeping my end up in the conversation, because I didn’t know anything about the subject.

See also: end, keep, up