Meaning of keep time | Babel Free

Definitions

1. To measure time.
2. To indicate the time correctly (of a timepiece).
3. To make any regular rhythmical movements at the same time with others.
4. To control the beat or rhythm of a song played by a music group.
5. To maintain a schedule set out in a timetable. (e.g. of a train)

Equivalents

Examples

“How well does this old watch keep time?”

“He couldn't carry a tune in a wheelbarrow, but he keeps time like a damn machine.”

“Isn't one of the conductor's main jobs to keep time?”

“We never had a chance even to attempt to keep time. An empty stock train from Stewarts Lane was given the road just ahead of us, and from Grosvenor Bridge to Herne Hill we had the signals against us all the way.”

CEFR level