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