[Idiom] PLAY FOR KEEPS. - Discover How Serious Commitment Is Expressed in Everyday Speech

To do something seriously.

Play for keeps" is an idiom that originates from children's games where the winner would get to keep all the playing pieces. This idiom applies more broadly to indicate doing something with a serious, often competitive, intent to win or succeed permanently. It expresses a higher level of commitment to achieving results that are lasting.

Example Sentences

1. This is serious—now we play for keeps.

   This is serious—now we are playing to win for real.

2. In the championship game, you could tell both teams were playing for keeps.

   In the championship game, both teams were putting their all into winning.

3. She invested heavily in her startup, knowing that this time she was playing for keeps and the stakes were high.

   She made significant investments in her startup, knowing the risks were high.