play for keeps

Idioms and Phrases

see for keeps .

Example Sentences

The ruling elites play for keeps.

From Salon

“They want to get down to business right away and they want to play for keeps,” Quenneville said.

From Washington Times

In a second go-around he’d have to play for keeps.

From Fox News

The tougher criteria to get into the September debate in Houston forced the candidates to play for keeps in the Motor City, knowing they either get a bounce for their campaigns or face elimination from the race.

From Washington Times

The teams met last year in the preseason, but that hardly offered much of a preview for what could happen when they play for keeps.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• aggressive
• changing
• charismatic
• compelling
• effective
• energetic
• forceful
• influential
• lively
• potent
• powerful
• productive
• progressive
• vigorous