for keeps

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for keeps

1. (gaming) With an agreement or intention to retain what one gains or receives.

   When we gamble at poker, we play for keeps.

2. (idiomatic, by extension) With a strong competitive resolve to win or succeed, as in sports or business.
   • 2007 Dec. 7, "Steelers' Defense Anticipates Patriots Matchup," KDKA.com (Pittsburg):

     "We both got a job to do. They play for keeps and we play for keeps too," Haggans said.

3. Permanently, so that one can keep something indefinitely.
   • 1925 August 10, “Golf: Shenecossett Invitation”, in Time:

     The Griswold trophy was presented to its winner, for keeps, since it was the third time she had won it.

• for good
• once and for all