play\ for\ keeps

play\ for\ keeps
v. phr.
To take an action of finality and irreversibility.

"Are you serious about me?" she asked. "Yes," he replied. "I want to marry you. I play for keeps."


Словарь американских идиом. — СПб., Изд-во "Лань". . 1997.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • play for keeps — {v. phr.} To take an action of finality and irreversibility. * / Are you serious about me? she asked. Yes, he replied. I want to marry you. I play for keeps. / …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • play for keeps — {v. phr.} To take an action of finality and irreversibility. * / Are you serious about me? she asked. Yes, he replied. I want to marry you. I play for keeps. / …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • play for keeps — If you are playing for keeps, you take things very seriously and the outcome is very important to you; it is not a mere game …   The small dictionary of idiomes

  • play for keeps — in. to take serious and permanent actions. (Refers to playing a game where the money won is not returned at the end of the game.) □ Wake up and face the fact that she’s playing for keeps. She wants to get married. □ I always play for keeps …   Dictionary of American slang and colloquial expressions

  • 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 …   New idioms dictionary

  • Play for keeps — expect a decision, result, etc.; be permanent …   Dictionary of Australian slang

  • play for keeps — Australian Slang expect a decision, result, etc.; be permanent …   English dialects glossary

  • for keeps — {adv. phr.} 1. For the winner to keep. * /They played marbles for keeps./ 2. {informal} For always; forever, * /He left town for keeps./ Syn.: FOR GOOD. 3. Seriously, not just for fun. * /This is not a joke, it s for keeps./ Often used in the… …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • for keeps — {adv. phr.} 1. For the winner to keep. * /They played marbles for keeps./ 2. {informal} For always; forever, * /He left town for keeps./ Syn.: FOR GOOD. 3. Seriously, not just for fun. * /This is not a joke, it s for keeps./ Often used in the… …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • for keeps — adverb a) With an agreement or intention to retain what one gains or receives. When we gamble at poker, we play for keeps. b) To compete seriously, with a strong resolve to win or …   Wiktionary

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