for keeps

prep_phrase — 3 senses

for keeps

prep_phrase

1

Games, Gaming With an agreement or intention to retain what one gains or receives.

When we gamble at poker, we play for keeps.

2

Broadly, Idiomatic With a strong competitive resolve to win or succeed, as in sports or business.

"We both got a job to do. They play for keeps and we play for keeps too," Haggans said.2007 Dec. 7, "Steelers' Defense Anticipates Patriots Matchup," KDKA.com (Pittsburg)

3

Permanently, so that one can keep something indefinitely.

The Griswold trophy was presented to its winner, for keeps, since it was the third time she had won it.1925 August 10, “Golf: Shenecossett Invitation”, in Time:

Synonyms: for good, once and for all

Entry derived from the Wiktionary, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0 — list of authors.