for keeps

== English == === Pronunciation === === Prepositional phrase === for keeps (gaming) With an agreement or intention to retain what one gains or receives. (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. Permanently, so that one can keep something indefinitely. ==== Synonyms ==== for good once and for all