english
1
general::
Phrase(s): play for keeps to do things with permanent effect; to be serious in one’s actions. (From the game of marbles, where the winner actually keeps all the marbles won.) • Are we playing for keeps or can we give everything back at the end of the game? • We are playing for keeps, so be careful of what you do.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
see FOR KEEPS.
American Heritage Idioms