keep up with the Joneses

Definition & Bedeutung von "[keep] up with the Joneses"

to keep up with the joneses

to constantly try to have or do things as well as others around one, often to show oneself just as successful as they are

What is the origin of the idiom "keep up with the Joneses" and when to use it?

The exact origin of the idiom "keep up with the Joneses" is not precisely documented, but it is believed to have its roots in American English, possibly dating back to the early 20th century. The phrase gained popularity in the United States in the 1920s and was further popularized by the comic strip "Keeping Up with the Joneses" by Arthur R. "Pop" Momand, which ran from 1913 to 1938. Over time, this phrase became widely recognized and adopted in English to describe the societal tendency of people trying to match or exceed the material possessions, social status, or lifestyle of those around them.

Beispiel

Many people go into debt because they want to keep up with the Joneses and display their success to the world.

Her mother, Louise, was very keen on keeping up with the Joneses.

Instead of trying to keep up with the Joneses, they chose a simpler lifestyle that brings them more happiness.

Their new car and lavish vacations are just their way of trying to keep up with the Joneses next door.

She felt the pressure to keep up with the Joneses by buying a bigger house in the upscale neighborhood.

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Definition & Bedeutung von "[keep] up with the Joneses"

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