for keeps

F

for keeps (idiom)
/fər kiːps/

Meaning

• Forever or permanently – Refers to something intended to last or remain indefinitely, with no plan of reversal or return.
• Seriously – Describes an action or situation that is carried out with earnest commitment or genuine intent, not just for fun or temporarily.
• To win outright – Indicates a competition or game where the prize or result is not just symbolic or temporary, but meant to be kept by the winner.
• In a lasting way – Suggests that something is done with the intention of it being final or settled for good.

Example Sentences

1. After years of dating, they finally got married for keeps.
2. This time, he’s quitting smoking for keeps.
3. The championship trophy wasn’t just a loan—it was theirs for keeps.
4. She gave him the necklace for keeps, not just to borrow.
5. The team played like it was for keeps, giving everything they had.

Origin and History

The phrase “for keeps” is commonly understood to mean “permanently” or “forever.” Its origins are believed to be rooted in children’s games, particularly marbles, and it has evolved over time to encompass broader, more figurative meanings.

Connection to the Game of Marbles

In the traditional game of marbles, players often agreed to play “for keeps,” meaning that the winner would retain the marbles they won from their opponent. This practice emphasized the seriousness of the game, as players risked losing their marbles permanently. An 1861 edition of The Ladies’ Repository illustrates this usage:​

“See, mother, what a lot of marbles I’ve got!” said John. “I won them from Peter Jones… He and I played for ‘keeps’ and I was the best player and won all his.”

Beyond the 1861 example, the phrase appeared in various publications around that time, reflecting its growing usage in American English. For instance, an 1866 account in Shanks’ Personal Recollections noted:​

“‘Fighting for keeps’ is army slang and signifies fighting in deadly earnest.”

Evolution into Figurative Language

While “for keeps” originated in the context of games, it soon took on a broader, more figurative meaning. By the late 19th century, it was used to describe actions undertaken with serious intent or outcomes meant to be permanent. This evolution is evident in phrases like “fighting for keeps,” indicating earnestness and finality.

Etymology of “Keep”

To fully understand the idiom, it’s helpful to examine the word “keep” itself. Originating from the Old English “cepan,” meaning to seize or hold, “keep” has always conveyed a sense of possession or retention. Over time, it evolved to include meanings such as “to guard,” “to preserve,” and “to maintain.”

Synonyms

1. for good
2. for life
3. for evermore
4. once and for all
5. to stay

Variants

• play for keeps
• fight for keeps
• it’s for keeps
• keep it for keeps

Important