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3. keep on

keep on

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keep on

(doing something) to continue to do something. Are you going to keep on singing all night? Yes, I'm going to keep on.

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keep on

(one's) guard (against someone or something) Go to on (one's) guard (against someone or something).

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keep on someone

(about something) Go to keep after someone (about something).

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keep on something

 

1. . and keep on Lit. to work to remain mounted on something, such as a horse, bicycle, etc. It's really hard for me to keep on a horse. It's hard to keep on when it's moving all over the place.

2. . Fig. to pay close attention to something. (See also keep on top of someone or something.) Keep on that story until everything is settled. This is a problem. Keep on it until it's settled.

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keep someone on

Fig. to retain someone in employment longer than is required or was planned. She worked out so well that we decided to keep her on. Liz was kept on as a consultant.

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keep someone on

 (something)

1. Lit. to make or help someone stay mounted on something, such as a horse, bicycle, etc. Her father kept her on the bicycle as she was learning to ride it. I couldn't keep myself on the horse.

2. Fig. to retain someone as an employee. We can't keep you on the payroll any longer. Ken could not be kept on any longer.

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keep something on

to continue to wear an article of clothing. I'm going to keep my coat on. It's a little chilly in here. I'll keep on my coat, thanks.

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keep on

1. Continue, persist, as in They kept on singing all night. [Late 1500s]

2. Maintain an existing situation, as in After Mr. Brown died, the housekeeper wondered if she would be kept on. [Mid-1600s]

3. Cause to stay on or remain attached, as in Keep your coat on; it's cold in here. [Late 1800s]

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keep on

v.

1. To hold or maintain something using something else as a support: I keep the peanut butter on the top shelf.

2. To hold or maintain the aim or sight of something toward some object or goal: Keep your eyes on the road when you're driving. I kept my attention on my book, despite the children's screaming.

3. To continue doing something: I was getting increasingly tired, but I kept on walking. Keep on working.

4. To have something remain operational, switched to an on position: I always keep one light on when I go to bed. The custodian keeps on the heat at night.

5. To remind someone repeatedly about something: Why do I always have to keep on you about handing your homework in on time?

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