English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Keep promise
Meaning
The idiom "keep promise" means to fulfill or honor one's obligations or commitments, especially when it is difficult or inconvenient to do so. It can also refer to being honest and trustworthy in general.
Usage
The usage of the idiom "keep promise" can vary depending on the context. It can be used in various situations such as personal relationships, business, and even politics.
- Personal Relationships: When talking about keeping promises to friends or family, the idiom can be used to express one's commitment and trustworthiness.
- Business: In a professional setting, "keep promise" may refer to fulfilling contracts or agreements with clients or partners.
- Politics: Politicians often make promises during election campaigns, and the idiom can be used to evaluate whether they have kept those promises after being elected.
Roots and History
The origin of the idiom "keep promise" is not entirely clear, but it has been used in English since at least the 14th century. The earliest known use of the phrase was in Middle English, where it was written as "kopen." It gradually evolved to its current meaning over time. The idiom has a cultural and regional variation in some countries, such as the Spanish phrase "mantener la promesa" (to keep the promise) or the French "tenir sa parole" (to keep his word).
Synonyms in English
- Fulfill
- Honor
- Keep faith
- Stay true
- Abide by
Synonyms in other languages
- Spanish: Mantener la promesa, cumplir con un compromiso, cumplir una obligación.
- French: Tenir sa parole, respecter son engagement, honorer ses obligations.
- German: Halten der Versprechen, den Vertrag erfüllen, Ehren die Verpflichtungen.
- Italian: Tenere la promessa, mantenere il proprio impegno, rispetare l'obbligo.
- Portuguese: Manter a promessa, cumprir o compromiso, honrar as obrigacoes.