Common American Phrases in Everyday Contexts (136 page)

keep (it) in mind that
introduces something that the speaker wants remembered.
B
ILL
: When we get there, I want to take a long hot shower. F
ATHER
: Keep it in mind that we are guests, and we have to fit in with the routines of the household
.
S
ALLY
: Keep it in mind that you don't work here anymore, and you just can't go in and out of offices like that. F
RED
: I guess you're right.

Keep it up
!
Keep up the good work!; Keep on doing it.; Keep (on) trying.
J
ANE
: I think I'm doing better in calculus. J
OHN
: Keep it up!
S
ALLY
: I can now jog for almost three miles. F
RED
: Great! Keep it up!
2
.
Just keep acting that way and see what happens to you. (Compare to (Go ahead,) make my day!)
J
OHN
: You're just not doing what is expected of you. B
ILL
: Keep it up! Just keep it up, and I'll quit right when you need me most
.
“Your behavior is terrible, young man! You just keep it up and see what happens,” warned Alice. “Just keep it up!
”

Keep (on) trying
.
AND
Don't quit trying
.
a phrase encouraging continued efforts.
J
ANE
: I think I'm doing better in calculus. J
OHN
: Keep trying! You can get an A
.
S
UE
: I really want that promotion, but I keep getting turned down. B
ILL
: Don't quit trying! You'll get it.

keep
one's
opinions to
oneself to stop mentioning one's own opinions, especially when they disagree with someone else's.
You ought to keep your opinions to yourself if you are going to be offensive
.
Please keep your rude opinions to yourself!

Keep out of my way
.
AND
Stay out of my way. 1
.
Don't get in my pathway.
J
OHN
: Keep out of my way. I'm carrying a heavy load. B
ILL
: Sorry
.
“Keep out of my way!” shouted the piano mover
.
2
.
Do not try to stop me.
H
ENRY
: I'm going to get even, no matter what. Keep out of my way. A
NDREW
: Keep it up! You'll really get in trouble
.
J
OHN
: I intend to work my way to the top in this business. M
ARY
: So do I, so just keep out of my way.