What does “Keep up with the Joneses” mean?
"Keep up with the Joneses" means to try to have or do the same things as your neighbors or friends in order to appear as successful as them.
What context can I use the in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
Example
They bought a new car just to keep up with the Joneses.
They bought a new car just to keep up with the Joneses.
Example
She always wears the latest fashion trends to keep up with the Joneses.
She always wears the latest fashion trends to keep up with the Joneses.
Example
He's constantly upgrading his gadgets to keep up with the Joneses
He's constantly upgrading his gadgets to keep up with the Joneses
Is “Keep up with the Joneses” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Keep up with the Joneses” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Keep up with the Joneses” effectively in context?
You can use "Keep up with the Joneses" to describe the act of trying to have or do the same things as your neighbors or friends in order to appear as successful as them. It often implies a sense of competition or social pressure. For example, if someone buys a new car just because their neighbor did, you might say, 'They bought a new car just to keep up with the Joneses.'
- 1Material Possessions
She always wears the latest fashion trends to keep up with the Joneses.
She always wears the latest fashion trends to keep up with the Joneses.
- 2Social Status
He's constantly upgrading his gadgets to keep up with the Joneses.
He's constantly upgrading his gadgets to keep up with the Joneses.
- 3Lifestyle Choices
They remodeled their house to keep up with the Joneses and fit in with the neighborhood.
They remodeled their house to keep up with the Joneses and fit in with the neighborhood.
Similar phrases to “Keep up with the Joneses”:
To maintain a certain image or reputation, especially in public
Example
She's always concerned about keeping up appearances and looking successful.
She's always concerned about keeping up appearances and looking successful.
To try to match or emulate the lifestyle of the Kardashian family, known for their wealth and fame
Example
He's always buying expensive clothes and accessories, trying to keep up with the Kardashians.
He's always buying expensive clothes and accessories, trying to keep up with the Kardashians.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Keep up with the Joneses” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Keep up with the Joneses" is unknown. It is believed to have originated in the early 20th century and is commonly associated with the desire to match or surpass the social status or material possessions of one's neighbors or friends.
Is “Keep up with the Joneses” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Keep up with the Joneses" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used to describe the pressure or desire to match or surpass the lifestyle or possessions of others.
What tone does “Keep up with the Joneses” have?
"Keep up with the Joneses" conveys a tone of social comparison and competition. It is often used to highlight the desire to appear successful or to fit in with a certain social group.
Can “Keep up with the Joneses” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Keep up with the Joneses" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a widely recognized idiom that describes a common social phenomenon. You can use it in conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations or written articles.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'She bought a new car just to keep up with the Joneses.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "keep up with the Joneses"!' to imply the act of trying to match others' success.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- compete with others
- emulate others
- match others' success
- fit in with others
- conform to social norms
Antonyms
- be content with oneself
- embrace individuality
- ignore social pressure
- march to the beat of one's own drum
- set one's own standards
