keep one at a distance
keep one at arm's length
keep at a distance
keep at arm's length
To avoid (someone's) company; not become too friendly toward.
Mr. Smith is kind to the workers in his store but after work he keeps them at a distance.
Betty likes Bill and is trying to be friendly, but he keeps her at arm's length.
keep one posted
To receive current information; inform oneself.
My associates phoned me every day and kept me posted on new developments in our business.
keep one's balance
To stay even-tempered; not become overexcited.
Mike has the best personality to run our office; he always keeps his balance.
keep one's chin up
To be brave; be determined; face trouble with courage.
He didn't think that he would ever get out of the jungle alive, but he kept his chin up.
keep one's distance
To be cool toward someone; avoid being friendly.
Mary did not like her co-worker, Betty, and kept her distance from her.
keep one's eye on the ball
To watch the ball at all times in a sport, usually in order to hit it or get it; not stop watching the ball.
Keep your eye on the baseball or you won't be able to hit it.
To be watchful and ready; be wide-awake and ready to win or succeed; be smart.
Быть на чеку; контролировать ситуацию; быть расторопным.
Tom is just starting on the job but if he keeps his eye on the ball, he will be promoted.
He was told that during the meeting he must keep his eye on the ball and concentrate on the matter at hand.
Ему было приказано во время встречи быть полностью во внимании и сконцентрироваться на предмете.
We tried to keep our eye on the ball during the meeting.
Мы старались быть на чеку во время встречи.
keep one's eyes peeled
keep one's eyes skinned
To watch carefully; be always looking.
The bird-watcher kept his eyes peeled for bluebirds.
When the boys walked through the roads, they kept their eyes skinned for snakes.
keep one's feet
To keep from falling or slipping down; keep your balance; remain standing.
The boy stumbled on the stairs but was able to keep his feet.