for keeps

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

I’d been friendly with the group before, but now we were bonded for keeps.

From The Wall Street Journal • Sep. 25, 2025

"Penny Lane is in our ears and in our eyes - and this time it's for keeps."

From BBC • Nov. 28, 2023

He said this third coaching farewell is for keeps.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2022

Kevin Kiermaier is playing for keeps — and the Toronto Blue Jays may not be too keen on what he’s keeping.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 21, 2021

“All right,” she said, “rules: There’ll be no marble playing inside the school-house, even in bad weather, and there’ll be no playing for keeps, anywhere.”

From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck