English idiom
keep up appearances
Example
“They kept up appearances at work even while their business was losing money.”
Dictionary details
Tags
Related idioms
Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.
live it up
CEFR B1to celebrate or indulge freely, usually by spending more than usual
keep a straight face
CEFR B2To remain serious and avoid smiling or laughing in an amusing or awkward moment.
keep the wolf from the door
CEFR B2to earn or manage just enough to avoid poverty, hunger, or serious hardship
keep the lights on
CEFR B2to do just enough work to keep a business running, without growth or improvement
up against it
CEFR B2Facing severe difficulties, pressure, or obstacles.
under a cloud
CEFR B2subject to suspicion or disgrace that damages one's reputation
Source methodology
Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.