Idioms beginning with K

Idiom

Meaning

Keep an eye on

To watch or monitor something closely.

Kick the bucket

To die.

Keep your chin up

To stay positive and optimistic in difficult situations.

Keep something at bay

To keep something away or prevent it from happening.

Keep it under your hat

To keep something secret or confidential.

Keep a stiff upper lip

To remain brave and resolute in the face of adversity.

Keep something in check

To control or restrain something.

Kick the habit

To stop doing something harmful or undesirable.

Keep the wolf from the door

To have enough money to avoid poverty or hunger.

Keep up appearances

To maintain a façade of normality or respectability, often despite difficulties.

Kick someone when they’re down

To take advantage of someone who is already in a vulnerable or difficult situation.

Keep something at arm’s length

To keep something or someone at a distance, often to avoid involvement or intimacy.

Keep your cards close to your chest

To keep one’s plans, thoughts, or intentions secret.

Keep the peace

To maintain a calm or harmonious atmosphere.

Keep your fingers crossed

To hope for a positive outcome.

Keep something on the back burner

To postpone or temporarily set aside something.

Knock it off

To stop doing something annoying or disruptive.

Keep it real

To be authentic or genuine; to avoid pretense.

Keep something in mind

To remember or consider something.

Keep something in the loop

To keep someone informed or involved in a process or situation.

Kick up a fuss

To make a noisy protest or complaint about something.

Keep your options open

To avoid making a decision so that other possibilities remain available.

Keep your nose to the grindstone

To work hard and diligently.

Knock someone’s socks off

To greatly impress or astonish someone.

Keep a lid on something

To maintain secrecy or prevent something from becoming widely known.

Keep your cool

To remain calm and composed, especially in stressful situations.

Keep the ball rolling

To keep an activity or process moving forward.

Keep your head above water

To manage to survive in difficult circumstances.

Keep something under wraps

To keep something secret or confidential.

Keep an eye on the ball

To remain attentive and focused on a particular task or objective.

Kill time

To spend time doing something unproductive or to pass time.

Keep a low profile

To avoid attracting attention; to remain inconspicuous.

Kick the can down the road

To postpone a decision or action, usually repeatedly.

Keep the door open

To maintain the possibility of future communication or action.

Keep a close watch

To monitor closely or observe attentively.

Keep someone in the dark

To withhold information from someone; to keep someone uninformed.

Kick against the pricks

To resist or rebel against authority or criticism, often futilely.

Keep it to yourself

To refrain from sharing information or keeping a secret.

Keep your distance

To maintain a safe or appropriate physical or emotional separation.

Keep the home fires burning

To maintain a stable or comfortable situation at home, especially during the absence of a family member.

Keep someone on a short leash

To closely control or monitor someone’s actions.

Keep your hands clean

To avoid involvement in immoral or illegal activities.

Keep the show on the road

To continue an activity or situation despite challenges or setbacks.

Keep a level head

To remain calm and rational in difficult situations.

Keep it up

To continue doing something well or at a successful pace.

Keep the faith

To maintain confidence in a positive outcome or belief.

Keep the wolves at bay

To prevent trouble or danger from arising.

Keep it in perspective

To consider something in relation to its overall importance or significance.

Keep up with the Joneses

To try to match the social or economic status of others.

Keep your head down

To avoid drawing attention to oneself; to remain inconspicuous.

Keep something in reserve

To retain something for future use or need.

Keep someone in suspense

To intentionally delay revealing information or a decision, causing anticipation or curiosity.

Keep a watchful eye

To monitor closely or observe attentively.

Keep your nose clean

To avoid trouble or stay out of trouble.

Keep a tight rein

To exercise strict control over someone or something.

Keep your end of the bargain

To fulfill one’s part of an agreement or deal.

Keep something in good shape

To maintain something in good condition or working order.

Keep the pot boiling

To maintain a situation of activity or excitement.

Keep a civil tongue

To speak politely or refrain from speaking rudely.

Keep the lights on

To maintain operation or activity, often in reference to a business or organization.

Keep something in abeyance

To postpone or temporarily suspend something.

Keep a weather eye on

To be watchful or vigilant, especially regarding potential dangers or changes.

Keep something at the forefront

To maintain something as a priority or focus.

Keep someone on the straight and narrow

To guide or encourage someone to behave well or morally.

Keep something close to your chest

To keep something secret or confidential; to not reveal information.

Keep your nose out of something

To avoid interfering in a situation that does not concern you.

Keep a straight face

To maintain a serious or composed expression, especially when faced with humor or absurdity.

Keep your shirt on

To remain calm or patient; to avoid becoming angry or agitated.

Keep someone at arm’s length

To maintain a distance from someone or keep them at a distance emotionally or physically.

Keep a secret

To refrain from disclosing confidential or sensitive information.

Keep the wheels turning

To keep operations or activities functioning smoothly.

Keep something off your plate

To avoid taking on additional responsibilities or tasks.

Keep your feet on the ground

To remain practical and realistic.

Keep your wits about you

To stay alert and think clearly in a difficult or dangerous situation.

Keep your ear to the ground

To stay informed about what is happening or changing in a particular situation.

Keep your hands tied

To be unable to act or make decisions due to restrictions or limitations.

Keep something in the back of your mind

To remember or be aware of something, even if not actively thinking about it.

Keep your mouth shut

To refrain from speaking or revealing information.

Keep something in the dark

To withhold information from someone; to keep someone uninformed.