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play for keeps
/plˈeɪ fɔː kˈiːps/
/plˈeɪ fɔːɹ kˈiːps/
to play for keeps
[PHRASE]What is the origin of the idiom "make a go of something" and when to use it?
The idiom "play for keeps" is believed to have originated in American gambling circles during the 19th century. In early gambling games, participants would often play for amusement or practice using tokens or play money. However, when someone decided to "play for keeps," it meant they were willing to wager real money or valuable possessions, indicating a serious and committed approach to the game. It can be used in personal situations involving conflicts or challenges, where individuals are willing to take significant risks and make dedicated efforts to achieve their desired outcomes.
Examples
1. These girls play for keeps.
2. The playoffs are when everyone really starts playing for keeps.
3. Stock brokers at this level deal with multi-million-dollar transactions, so they are always playing for keeps.
4. We're playing for keeps here, so don't bet anything you can't live without.
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