Play for keeps Meaning in English
expression
ˈpɫeɪ/ /ˈfɔɹ/, /fɝ/, /fɹɝ/ /ˈkips
PLAY-fer-KEEPS
plˈeɪ/ /fˈɔː/ /kˈiːps
play-faw-KEEPS
Definition
To act seriously and with determination, often implying there are real consequences or rewards involved; not just for fun.
Usage & Nuances
Informal, often in games, business, or relationships to show someone is not joking or will pursue something seriously. Not literal—rarely about actual playing, but about approach or attitude. Can be a warning.
Spanish: jugar en serio - ir en serioPortuguese (BR): brincar pra valer - jogar pra valerPortuguese (PT): jogar a sério - levar a sérioChinese (Simplified): 玩真的 - 认真对待Chinese (Traditional): 玩真的 - 認真對待Hindi: पूरा मन लगाकर खेलना - असल में खेलनाArabic: يلعب بجدية - يلعب على الحقيقيBengali: গোঁড়া হয়ে খেলা - সিরিয়াস হওয়াRussian: играть по-крупному - действовать всерьёзJapanese: 本気で勝負する - 本気で取り組むVietnamese: chơi thật sự - chơi không khoan nhượngKorean: 진지하게 임하다 - 진심으로 임하다Turkish: ciddi oynamak - işi sıkı tutmakUrdu: سنجیدگی سے کھیلنا - پوری سنجیدگی سے کرناIndonesian: bermain secara serius - bermain untuk menang
Example Sentences
When they make a deal, they play for keeps.
basic
She warned me that in this competition, everyone plays for keeps.
basic
If you want to join this team, be ready to play for keeps.
basic
Watch out—those guys play for keeps and don’t give second chances.
natural
This isn’t just a friendly match—we’re playing for keeps now.
natural
You can tell by his attitude that he’s playing for keeps this time.
natural