keeps around
Holds onto still
To keep something or someone around is to retain them, usually for occasional use or convenience rather than constant need.
You might keep around an old jacket that still fits, or a friend who's useful in certain situations: I keep him around because he's good with computers.
The phrase often implies the kept thing isn't essential but serves a purpose.
- preserveProtect from loss
- companionshipState of having company
- old friendsLong-term close acquaintances
- retainKeep possession of
- storeRetail establishment
good company · accessible · close at hand · within reach · handy · loyalty · nearby · friendship · reachable · familiarity · safeguard · entourage · trust · usable · nostalgia · convenient · obtainable · hoard
keeps aroundthrows away
Disposes of as refuse
discards · gets rid of · tosses out · ditches · throws out
keeps aroundsends away
Causes to depart
removes · eliminates · banishes · drives away · pushes away
keep, around, keeps, kept, keeping, keeper, keepers, keepable, upkeep