Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

keep-up-with-the-joneses

idiom

/kiːp ʌp wɪð ðə ˈdʒoʊnzɪz/

Definition

To strive to match the lifestyle or social status of one’s peers or neighbors.

Examples

Many people feel the pressure to keep up with the Joneses by buying new cars and the latest gadgets.
She stopped trying to keep up with the Joneses when she realized it was affecting her finances.

Meaning

The phrase refers to the comparison to one’s neighbors as a benchmark for social status, often leading to purchasing similar items or maintaining a similar lifestyle to appear equal or better off.