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.
keep one's hand in
To keep in practice; continue to take part.
After he retired from teaching, Mr. Brown kept his hand in by giving a lecture once in a while.
Mr. Smith left the planning of the trip to his wife, but he kept his hand in, too.
keep one's head
keep one's wits about one
To stay calm when there is trouble or danger.
When Tim heard the fire alarm he kept his head and looked for the nearest exit.
When the heater caused a fire, Gloria kept her head and phoned for assistance right away; otherwise, the whole house might have burned down.
When the boat starting sinking in heavy seas, the crew members kept their heads and led the passengers to the lifeboats.
keep one's mouth shut
To be or stay silent. - A rude expression when used as a command.
Быть молчаливым; хранить молчание. Если используется как команда, то звучит грубостью.
When the crooks were captured by the police, their leader warned them to keep their mouths shut.
Charles began to tell Barry how to kick the ball, and Barry said angrily, "Keep your mouth shut!"
I tried hard to keep my mouth shut during the boring speech.
Мне с трудом удавалось молчать во время скучной лекции.
keep one's nose clean
To stay out of trouble; do only what you should do.
Избегать неприятностей, заниматься тем, чем должно заниматься.
The boss said Jim could have the job as long as he kept his nose clean and worked hard.
The policeman warned the boys to keep their noses clean unless they wanted to go to jail.
Hollywood actors seldom keep their noses clean.
Голливудские актеры не отличаются примерным поведением.