Definition & Meaning of "Keep to"

keep to

/kˈiːp tuː/

/kˈiːp tuː/

to keep to

[phrase form: keep]

VERB

to stay on a specific path, road, or route

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

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

to remain in a particular place or position

keep to oneself

/kˈiːp tə wɒnsˈɛlf/

/kˈiːp tə wʌnsˈɛlf/

to keep to oneself

PHRASE

to choose not to communicate or interact with other people

to [keep] to {oneself} definition and meaning

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.

keep sth to oneself

/kˈiːp ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ tə wɒnsˈɛlf/

/kˈiːp ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ tə wʌnsˈɛlf/

to keep sth to oneself

PHRASE

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

keep sb to oneself

/kˈiːp ˌɛsbˈiː tə wɒnsˈɛlf/

/kˈiːp ˌɛsbˈiː tə wʌnsˈɛlf/

to keep sb to oneself

PHRASE

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