Home › Idioms

keep up with the joneses

Meaning: To have the same standard of living as one's friends and neighbors do.

Language: English

Literally: (Already vivid in English)

Category: Daily Life

Origin: The expression implies that one strains one's financial resources when one tries to match or exceed the purchases or actions made by a neighbor. Jones is a common family name.

More idioms — Daily Life

  • keyed up — Full of nervous anticipation; anxious; tense.
  • kick the bucket — To die.
  • not know someone from adam — To be unable to recognize someone because the person is a stranger.
  • know the ins and outs — To be familiar with the details and hidden meanings of an activity or situation.
  • know the ropes — To be familiar with a task or situation.
  • knuckle down — To do one's work seriously; to apply oneself fully; to get busy.

More English idioms

  • kick up one's heels — To have a lively and fun time, usually at a party or dance.
  • knock someone for a loop — To shock, surprise, or astound someone.
  • not know if one is coming or going — To be confused and disoriented.
  • knuckle under — To submit or give in to pressure.
  • labor of love — Something done out of affection or great interest.
  • live in the lap of luxury — To be very comfortable because one is well-off financially.

← Back to Idioms

Loading the full interactive collection…