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Phrase(s): 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., Phrase(s): 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., Phrase(s): keep on
Go to keep on something., Phrase(s): 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., Phrase(s): 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., Phrase(s): 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., Phrase(s): keep on someone (about something)
Go to keep after someone (about something).
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
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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]
American Heritage Idioms