Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
play-for-keeps
idiom
/pleɪ fɔr kips/
Definition
To engage in a competition or game with the intention of taking it seriously, often implying that the outcome has significant consequences.
Examples
- When they started to play for keeps, the game got much more intense.
- In this tournament, all teams are playing for keeps, so every match counts.
- She realized he was playing for keeps when he put everything on the line to win.
Meaning
To play in a way where the stakes are high, and the results are important.
Synonyms
- serious competition
- high stakes
- no holds barred
