How to Pronounce "keep up with the joneses"
expression
KEEP-uhp-with-thuh-JOHN-ziz
KEEP-up-with-thuh-JOHN-ziz
Definition
To try to have the same things, lifestyle, or status as people around you, especially your neighbors, even if it's difficult or unnecessary.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈkip/ /ˈəp/ /ˈwɪð/, /ˈwɪθ/, /wɪð/, /wɪθ/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈdʒoʊnzɪz
British English
kˈiːp/ /ˈʌp/ /wˈɪð/ /ðə, ði/ /ˈdʒəʊnzɪz
Simplified Pronunciation
US
KEEP-uhp-with-thuh-JOHN-ziz
UK
KEEP-up-with-thuh-JOHN-ziz
Listen in Context
Some people buy new cars just to keep up with the joneses.
It's not healthy to always keep up with the joneses.
We don't need to keep up with the joneses to be happy.
After seeing their neighbors' new kitchen, they felt pressured to keep up with the joneses.