What does the idiom "keep in check" mean?
Although the meanings of the words in them do not make any sense when examined one by one, the word groups that are shaped according to the cultural roots of the language and that make sense as a whole are called idioms. keep in check meaning, in what situations is it used?
Meaning of "keep in check"
Meaning
The idiom “keep in check” means to restrain, control, or limit something. It can be used to describe a person who is being held back from doing something, as well as something that is being kept under control.
Etymology
The phrase “keep in check” has roots in Middle English and originally meant “to inspect and constrain.” During the 1200s, the phrase was commonly used to refer to a chess move: when a move is able to block the opponent’s next move, they were “in check” and the previous move “kept them in check.” This phrase later developed to refer to restraint that is exerted over something or someone.
Usage
The phrase “keep in check” can be used both literally and figuratively. It is often used in terms of physical restraint, to describe someone or something being held back from doing something. It can also be used figuratively to describe the act of self-control, where someone is able to keep their behavior in check or stay within acceptable limits.
Example Sentences
- The government is trying to keep inflation in check by raising taxes.
- I'm trying to keep my spending in check so I can save money.
- My parents were always keeping me in check and making sure I didn't make any bad decisions.
Idioms with similar meaning
"Don't judge a book by its cover" is an English idiom that means you shouldn't make assumptions about someone or something based solely on its appearance. In Japanese, the similar idiom is "Hana yori dango," which translates to "Dumplings rather than flowers." This idiom means that substance is more important than appearance.
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