keep behind

keep behind

1. To hold, place, or keep someone or something behind someone or something else. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "keep" and "behind." Keep the gifts behind your back so we can surprise her with them.
2. To stay in back of someone or something. Kids, make sure to keep behind the grown-ups on our walk.
3. To require a student to repeat a grade of school. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "keep" and "behind." Am I really being kept behind? I don't want to repeat junior year—can't I go to summer school or something?
See also: behind, keep
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

keep behind

v.
1. To hold or maintain someone or something to the rear of something else: I keep my car behind the garage.
2. To remain to the rear of something: We didn't want them to see us, so we kept behind the barn when they arrived.
3. To fail to advance someone to the next grade or class of school; flunk. Usually used in the passive: After a year of doing poorly in class, the troubled student was kept behind.
See also: behind, keep
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • lay behind (someone or something)
  • pull along
  • run behind
  • drop behind
  • get behind
  • get behind (someone or something)
  • get behind someone/something
  • get behind something
  • lie behind
  • lie behind (someone or something)
References in classic literature
Valentin smoked frowningly for a few seconds; then, removing his cigarette, he said: "If you know what a man's doing, get in front of him; but if you want to guess what he's doing, keep behind him.
The Innocence Of Father Brown
"But if they can keep behind us and see we are doing the right things then that can galvanise the boys." Saints will have new signing Yoann Arquin available for the visit of United after appealing the red card he received for stamping on Lewis Toshney at the weekend.
GARY: BRING OUR BELIEF BACK HOME
People need to keep behind the team and continue to support us."
Villa don't have boos problem
In my childhood, she regaled us with tales of the drama of the Llwynypia colliery picket-line and the violence that erupted in Tonypandy, as the other women and children were instructed to keep behind closed doors.
A fun way for pupils to learn about the past
Let's keep behind Jonah and the boys and not get on their backs - they all want it as much as us.
JOIN THE GREAT ONLINE DEBATE
The Bulgarian PM has jokingly claimed as "positive" the decision of the court to keep behind bars one of the "Killers" suspects, even though the grounds for his keeping was the fact that an illegal AK-47 Kalashnikov gun has been found in his home, not because his alleged connection with the assassination of the controversial football boss Yuri Galev has been proven.
FBI, Europol to Assess Bulgaria's 'Killers', 'All Trumps'
Mahboob never looked to seriously challenge the leaders in the race but did well to keep behind pacesetter Patrick Kipkirui Langat of Kenya during the run's early stages.
Mahboob eighth in Belem race
"We went to New Brighton and one morning we were walking on the front and my dad set off and said 'keep behind me.' He had a newspaper under his arm.
It was meant as a joke, m'lud
"It was great to have such a good atmosphere, and we need our fans to keep behind the side.
ICE HOCKEY: Coach says take a break
Let's keep behind her and wish her all the best with her West End show.
Good on yer!; YOUR LETTERS
Maybe they are right, but I would say keep behind the team next week because if we lose I go."
Football: MERSON POISED TO WALK AWAY; Brentford 5 Walsall 0
The group recommended that barriers be erected around the cages with signs telling people to keep behind them.
THE FIGHT GOES ON