for keeps

for keeps

1. For a very long period of time, possibly forever. I'm sorry, but you're stuck with me. As my husband, you have me for keeps.
2. For one to maintain or take ownership of. I would have returned the mug to you sooner, but I thought you gave it to me for keeps.
3. With determination to do or complete something. This is it, girls, the last game of the season. So go out there and play for keeps.
See also: keep
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

for keeps

forever. Does that mean I'm going to have this scar for keeps? This is yours for keeps. Enjoy it.
See also: keep
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

for keeps

1. For the winner to retain, as in You can't take the marbles back; we were playing for keeps. [Mid-1800s]
2. For an indefinitely long time, forever, as in She is leaving town for keeps.
3. In earnest, seriously, as in We're separating for keeps. [Late 1800s]
See also: keep
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

for keeps

permanently, indefinitely. informal
2005 Taipei Times When he quits for keeps, Sanders probably will be asked to return to the TV studio.
See also: keep
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

for ˈkeeps

(informal) permanently; for ever: ‘Are you really giving me this beautiful ring?’ ‘Yes, it’s yours. For keeps.’
See also: keep
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

for keeps

mod. forever. Does that mean I’m going to have this scar for keeps?
See also: keep
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions

for keeps

1. For an indefinitely long period: gave the ring to me for keeps.
2. Seriously and permanently: We're separating for keeps.
See also: keep
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • take forever
  • for ever and a day
  • forever and a day
  • at a time
  • forever after
  • since forever
  • tied to (one's) apron strings
  • tied to apron strings
  • tied to his mother's apron strings
  • tied to someone's apron strings