keep to

keep

ki:p

kip

tu:

too

/kˈiːp tuː/

Definition & Meaning of "keep to"in English

to keep to

[phrase form: keep]

VERB

to stay on a specific path, road, or route

Transitive: to keep to a path

Examples

When driving in the mountains, it 's essential to keep to the marked trail.

to follow through with what one has promised, planned, or committed to do

Transitive: to keep to a plan

Old use

Examples

She always keeps to her work schedule and never misses a deadline.

to focus on and discuss only the specific subject that one is supposed to address

Transitive: to keep to a subject

Examples

During the presentation, make sure to keep to the main topic and avoid going off on tangents.

to remain in a particular place or position

Transitive: to keep to a place or position

Examples

Despite the tempting beach, he preferred to keep to the shade of the beach umbrella.

to keep to oneself

[keep] {oneself} to {oneself}

to keep to oneself

PHRASE

to choose not to communicate or interact with other people

to [keep] to {oneself} definition and meaning

Idiom

Informal

What is the origin of the idiom "keep to oneself" and when to use it?

The idiom "keep to oneself" has its origins in the notion of personal boundaries and privacy. It suggests the act of maintaining a reserved or introverted disposition and not sharing one's thoughts, feelings, or activities with others. This expression is used to highlight the preference for solitude or limited social interaction, reflecting a desire to maintain personal space or emotional distance.

Examples

She's a quiet person who tends to keep to herself, especially in a crowded room.

to keep something to oneself

PHRASE

to decide not to share a piece of information, an idea, or a feeling with others

Collocation

Examples

He decided to keep his new job offer to himself until he made a decision.

to keep somebody to oneself

PHRASE

to limit someone's interactions with others, usually due to possessiveness or a desire for privacy

Collocation

Examples

He was in love with her and did n't want to share her with anyone, so he kept her to himself and refused to introduce her to his friends or colleagues.

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Nearby Words

keep time

keep the wolf from the door

Definition & Meaning of "keep to"in English

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