playing for keeps
- seriousWeighty and requiring attention
- stakesPosts or wagers
- permanentFixed without end
- gambleStake on uncertain outcome
- all-inFully committed, nothing held back
committed · cutthroat · ruthless · winner-take-all · final · intense · determined · no-holds-barred · marbles · chips · bet · risk · compete · fierce · relentless · decisive · showdown · ultimate
seriousness/stakes
playing for keepsmessing around
Idle, aimless activity
goofing off · horsing around · kidding around · toying with · dabbling
intention/commitment
playing for keepshalf-hearted
Lacking sincerity or zeal
noncommittal · wishy-washy · hedging bets · keeping options open · fence-sitting