Dictionary
Words, grammatical forms and meanings linked to the ontology.
for keeps en · ADP
Pronunciation
Meanings
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With an agreement or intention to retain what one gains or receives.
When we gamble at poker, we play for keeps.
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(broadly, idiomatic) With a strong competitive resolve to win or succeed, as in sports or business.
"We both got a job to do. They play for keeps and we play for keeps too," Haggans said.
2007 Dec. 7, "Steelers' Defense Anticipates Patriots Matchup," KDKA.com (Pittsburg)
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Permanently, so that one can keep something indefinitely.
The Griswold trophy was presented to its winner, for keeps, since it was the third time she had won it.
1925 August 10, “Golf: Shenecossett Invitation”, in Time:
Synonyms
once and for all · for good