Common American Phrases in Everyday Contexts (138 page)

Keep this to yourself
.
a phrase introducing something that is meant to be a secret.
A
NDREW
: Keep this to yourself, but I'm going to Bora Bora on my vacation. H
ENRY
: Sounds great. Can I go too?
J
OHN
: Keep this to yourself. Mary and I are breaking up. S
UE
: I won't tell a soul.

Keep up the good work
.
Please keep doing the good things that you are doing now.
F
ATHER
: Your grades are fine, Bill. Keep up the good work. B
ILL
: Thanks, Dad
.
“Nice play,” said the coach. “Keep up the good work!
”

Keep your chin up
.
an expression of encouragement to someone who has to bear some emotional burdens.
F
RED
: I really can't take much more of this. J
ANE
: Keep your chin up. Things will get better
.
J
OHN
: Smile, Fred. Keep your chin up. F
RED
: I guess you're right. I just get so depressed when I think of this mess I'm in.

Keep your mouth shut (about
someone or something). Do not tell anyone about someone or something.
B
OB
: Are you going to see the doctor? M
ARY
: Yes, but keep your mouth shut about it
.
B
OB
: Isn't Tom's uncle in tax trouble? J
ANE
: Yes, but keep your mouth shut about him.

Keep your nose out of my business
.
Go to Mind your own business.

Keep your opinions to yourself
!
I do not want to hear your opinions!
J
ANE
: I think this room looks drab. S
UE
: Keep your opinions to yourself! I like it this way!
S
ALLY
: You really ought to do something
about your hair. It looks like it was hit by a truck. J
OHN
: Keep your opinions to yourself. This is the latest style where I come from. S
ALLY
: I won't suggest where that might be.

Keep your shirt on
!
Be patient!; Just wait a minute! (Colloquial.)
J
OHN
: Hey, hurry up! Finish this! B
ILL
: Keep your shirt on! I'll do it when I'm good and ready
.
J
OHN
: Waiter! We've been waiting fifteen minutes! What sort of place is this? W
AITER
: Keep your shirt on! J
OHN
(quietly): Now I know what sort of place this is.