1
general::
Phrase(s): keep something by
to keep something handy; to keep something in reserve, ready to be used. • Keep this extra glue by in case you need it. • This money had been kept by for just such an emergency., Phrase(s): keep someone or something by someone
to make someone or something stay next to someone. • Try to keep the twins by you until we have taken a few more pictures. • Please keep this package by you until we are ready to present it.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs