The Village Idiom

keep on

The idiom "keep on" means to continue doing something without stopping or to persist in doing something despite difficulties or obstacles.

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In a sentence

  • She kept on practicing the piano until she became an accomplished musician.
  • The team kept on working tirelessly to meet the deadline.
  • Despite the setbacks, he kept on pursuing his dream of becoming an actor.

Where it comes from and how it is used

The idiom "keep on" is a verb phrase that is primarily used to express the act of continuing or persisting in an action or behavior. It is a versatile expression that can be used in various contexts and scenarios to convey the idea of persistence or continuous action. For example, one might say "keep on studying" to encourage someone to continue their efforts in learning or "keep on trying" to motivate someone to persevere in their endeavors.

The versatility of the idiom "keep on" makes it a valuable expression in both informal and formal English. Its prevalence in everyday speech reflects its importance in conveying the message of persistence. Whether used in a motivational or literal sense, "keep on" encourages individuals to continue their efforts and persevere in the face of challenges.

The idiom "keep on" holds a special place in the lexicon of idiomatic expressions. Its usage continues to resonate with people across different contexts, making it a powerful tool for motivation and encouragement. "keep on" is more than just a simple phrase. It is a reminder to never give up and to persist in the pursuit of one's goals and dreams. So, keep on going, carry on, and keep it up!

Know an earlier use or a better origin story?Tell us.