50 Idioms for Keep Going (Meanings & Examples)

Idioms are fun phrases where the words together mean something entirely different from what the words say by themselves. People use them in daily chats and stories to make conversations much more colorful and exciting. In this lesson, you will learn fifty handy idioms that relate to keeping going and never giving up.

In this lesson, we’ll look at idioms that mean staying strong and pressing forward through hard tasks. Let’s get started and explore some of these helpful expressions.

Idioms for Keep Going

1. Hang in there

Definition: A supportive phrase telling someone not to give up during a difficult time.

Used in a Sentence: When the math quiz got hard, my teacher told me to hang in there. / Hang in there because the weekend is almost here.

Similar Expressions: Stay strong / Keep at it

2. Keep your chin up

Definition: To remain cheerful and positive when facing tough situations.

Used in a Sentence: Keep your chin up even though your soccer team lost the match. / She told her brother to keep his chin up after losing his favorite toy.

Similar Expressions: Stay positive / Remain cheerful

3. Weather the storm

Definition: To successfully survive a hard period or challenging situation.

Used in a Sentence: The small business managed to weather the storm and become very successful. / We had to weather the storm of hard homework before playing outside.

Similar Expressions: Overcome hardship / Endure trouble

4. Stick to your guns

Definition: To refuse to give up on your plans or beliefs when challenged.

Used in a Sentence: Stick to your guns even if other kids say your art idea is unusual. / She stuck to her guns and finished the marathon walk.

Similar Expressions: Hold your ground / Stand firm

5. Keep on keeping on

Definition: To continue working toward a goal despite ongoing difficulties.

Used in a Sentence: When the puzzle got tough, he decided to keep on keeping on. / Just keep on keeping on and your science project will be fantastic.

Similar Expressions: Persist / Keep going

6. Ride out the storm

Definition: To wait patiently through a difficult time until things get better.

Used in a Sentence: We had to ride out the storm of heavy rain inside the cabin. / The family rode out the financial stress by saving money carefully.

Similar Expressions: Endure difficulties / Wait it out

7. Push through

Definition: To use hard work to get past a difficult physical or mental obstacle.

Used in a Sentence: We had to push through the exhaustion to finish the hiking trail. / Push through the hard math problems and you will succeed.

Similar Expressions: Overcome / Persevere

8. Dig in your heels

Definition: To refuse to give up and work stubbornly toward a goal.

Used in a Sentence: When the project got tough, our team dug in their heels. / Dig in your heels and finish learning those vocabulary words.

Similar Expressions: Be stubborn / Stand firm

9. Stick to the task

Definition: To remain focused and keep working until a job is completely done.

Used in a Sentence: Stick to the task until every math problem is solved correctly. / If you stick to the task, you will finish before dinner.

Similar Expressions: Stay focused / Remain persistent

10. Fight an uphill battle

Definition: To try to accomplish something that is very difficult and requires constant effort.

Used in a Sentence: Trying to clean the muddy garage was like fighting an uphill battle. / Learning a new language can feel like fighting an uphill battle at first.

Similar Expressions: Struggle constantly / Face hard odds

11. Keep your nose to the grindstone

Definition: To work continuously and steadily without taking unnecessary breaks.

Used in a Sentence: She kept her nose to the grindstone until her science report was typed. / Keeping your nose to the grindstone helps finish tasks early.

Similar Expressions: Work steadily / Focus constantly

12. Pull up your socks

Definition: To make a new and better effort to improve your performance.

Used in a Sentence: If you want better grades, you need to pull up your socks and study. / The coach told the team to pull up their socks for the second half.

Similar Expressions: Try harder / Improve effort

13. Put your shoulder to the wheel

Definition: To start applying strong, steady effort to a difficult task.

Used in a Sentence: It is time to put your shoulder to the wheel and clean the basement. / If we put our shoulders to the wheel, the poster will be done by noon.

Similar Expressions: Work diligently / Apply heavy effort

14. Second wind

Definition: Getting a fresh burst of energy after feeling tired during a long task.

Used in a Sentence: I was tired during the hike, but seeing the summit gave me a second wind. / Eating a healthy snack gave me a second wind to finish my homework.

Similar Expressions: Fresh energy / Renewed strength

15. Stay the course

Definition: To keep pursuing your plan even when things get difficult.

Used in a Sentence: Even when the project got boring, she decided to stay the course. / If you want to learn the violin, you must stay the course.

Similar Expressions: Keep going / Persist firmly

16. Ride the wave

Definition: To use a successful moment to keep achieving more goals.

Used in a Sentence: After winning the spelling bee, she wanted to ride the wave to win the trivia contest. / The soccer team rode the wave of their victory into the next game.

Similar Expressions: Capitalize on success / Use momentum

17. Forge ahead

Definition: To make strong, steady progress despite difficult conditions.

Used in a Sentence: Despite the rainy weather, the hikers decided to forge ahead. / We must forge ahead with our science experiment before the bell rings.

Similar Expressions: Push forward / Advance steadily

18. Keep pushing

Definition: To maintain effort and continue working despite fatigue.

Used in a Sentence: My legs hurt, but the coach told me to keep pushing. / Keep pushing until your homework is completely finished.

Similar Expressions: Keep going / Persist

19. Not take no for an answer

Definition: To keep trying persistently until you succeed or get what you need.

Used in a Sentence: My little brother would not take no for an answer when asking to play a game. / Salespeople often try not to take no for an answer.

Similar Expressions: Be persistent / Refuse defeat

20. Bide your time

Definition: To wait patiently for the right moment to continue your goal.

Used in a Sentence: He decided to bide his time before asking to join the advanced club. / Bide your time and the rain will stop so we can play outside.

Similar Expressions: Wait patiently / Hold back

21. Drive on

Definition: To continue moving forward with energy and determination.

Used in a Sentence: The cyclists were tired, but they decided to drive on toward the finish line. / Let us drive on and finish decorating the room.

Similar Expressions: Press forward / Keep moving

22. Soldier on

Definition: To continue doing something difficult without complaining.

Used in a Sentence: Even though his knee hurt slightly, he decided to soldier on in the game. / When things got complicated, she learned to soldier on.

Similar Expressions: Keep going / Persevere quietly

23. Keep your head down

Definition: To focus on your work and ignore distractions around you.

Used in a Sentence: During test week, I like to keep my head down and study hard. / Keep your head down and finish your chores before sunset.

Similar Expressions: Focus intently / Avoid distractions

24. Go the distance

Definition: To keep working hard until a goal is fully completed.

Used in a Sentence: Our soccer team had the energy to go the distance in the final match. / If you want to finish the big puzzle, you must go the distance.

Similar Expressions: Finish strong / See it through

25. Leave no stone unturned

Definition: To try every possible way to complete a tough job successfully.

Used in a Sentence: The detectives left no stone unturned while looking for clues. / We left no stone unturned in our search for the missing math book.

Similar Expressions: Search everywhere / Try all methods

26. Keep your feet on the ground

Definition: To remain sensible and hardworking while pursuing success.

Used in a Sentence: Winning the award was great, but she knew to keep her feet on the ground. / Keeping your feet on the ground helps you stay focused.

Similar Expressions: Stay grounded / Remain sensible

27. Hard nut to crack

Definition: A problem or challenge that takes a lot of persistence to solve.

Used in a Sentence: That final science puzzle proved to be a hard nut to crack. / Our math homework was a hard nut to crack until dad helped.

Similar Expressions: Tough challenge / Difficult puzzle

28. Take the bull by the horns

Definition: To face a difficult task bravely and keep working on it.

Used in a Sentence: Instead of avoiding chores, he took the bull by the horns and cleaned the kitchen. / Take the bull by the horns and lead the group presentation.

Similar Expressions: Take charge / Face boldly

29. Keep the ball rolling

Definition: To keep an activity or project going without letting it stop.

Used in a Sentence: Asking fun questions helped keep the ball rolling during our club meeting. / Let us keep the ball rolling on building our cardboard castle.

Similar Expressions: Maintain momentum / Keep things moving

30. Run the race

Definition: To participate actively in working toward a long-term goal.

Used in a Sentence: Every student in the club is ready to run the race for the science award. / Stay strong while you run the race toward graduation.

Similar Expressions: Pursue a goal / Stay the course

31. Stick it out

Definition: To endure a difficult or unpleasant situation until the end.

Used in a Sentence: Camping in the rain was tough, but we decided to stick it out. / If you join the team, you need to stick it out all season.

Similar Expressions: Endure until the end / Persevere

32. Keep your spirits up

Definition: To stay hopeful and positive while working through hard times.

Used in a Sentence: The leader tried to keep our spirits up during the long hike. / Keeping your spirits up makes difficult chores feel easier.

Similar Expressions: Stay hopeful / Remain positive

33. Play through the pain

Definition: To continue an activity despite physical discomfort or setbacks.

Used in a Sentence: The basketball player twisted his ankle slightly but chose to play through the pain. / When practicing the guitar, my fingers hurt, but I play through the pain.

Similar Expressions: Persevere through hurt / Continue despite difficulty

34. Stay the course of action

Definition: To continue following your plan without changing your mind.

Used in a Sentence: Despite the critics, the team decided to stay the course of action. / Staying the course of action brings success in long projects.

Similar Expressions: Follow the plan / Stick to decisions

35. Make a mighty effort

Definition: To use a huge amount of strength and persistence.

Used in a Sentence: Lifting the heavy piano required a mighty effort from everyone. / She made a mighty effort to finish her chores before dark.

Similar Expressions: Strive mightily / Use great force

36. Keep plodding along

Definition: To make slow and steady progress when things are difficult.

Used in a Sentence: The reading assignment was long, but I kept plodding along until the end. / When writing essays, just keep plodding along.

Similar Expressions: Progress slowly / Move steadily

37. Push the envelope

Definition: To try to go beyond normal limits to achieve something greater.

Used in a Sentence: The young artist wanted to push the envelope with bright neon colors. / Our science club pushed the envelope by building a solar-powered car.

Similar Expressions: Push boundaries / Go further

38. Weather any storm

Definition: Being ready to survive any difficult challenge that comes your way.

Used in a Sentence: With good teamwork, our family can weather any storm. / Learning good study habits helps you weather any storm at school.

Similar Expressions: Survive anything / Endure challenges

39. Keep your eyes on the prize

Definition: To stay focused on what you want to achieve without getting distracted.

Used in a Sentence: Even when the race got difficult, Leo kept his eyes on the prize. / Keep your eyes on the prize and finish your homework.

Similar Expressions: Stay focused / Remain attentive

40. Stand your ground

Definition: To refuse to back down when faced with a challenge.

Used in a Sentence: During the debate, she stood her ground and explained her ideas clearly. / Stand your ground when playing defense in soccer.

Similar Expressions: Refuse to yield / Hold fast

41. Keep the faith

Definition: To remain hopeful and confident during uncertain times.

Used in a Sentence: Even when our team was losing, the coach told us to keep the faith. / Keep the faith and your painting will turn out great.

Similar Expressions: Stay hopeful / Maintain confidence

42. Punch through

Definition: To break past an obstacle through hard work and determination.

Used in a Sentence: We had to punch through the thick ice to reach the water. / Punch through your doubts and practice your speech.

Similar Expressions: Break through / Overcome

43. Keep at arm length from quitting

Definition: Staying far away from the thought of giving up.

Used in a Sentence: He kept quitting at arm length by reminding himself of his goals. / Keeping frustration away helps you keep quitting at arm length.

Similar Expressions: Avoid giving up / Stay persistent

44. Stay focused

Definition: To keep your attention entirely on the task at hand.

Used in a Sentence: Stay focused during the test so you do not make silly mistakes. / Closing your bedroom door helps you stay focused on studying.

Similar Expressions: Concentrate / Pay attention

45. Keep moving forward

Definition: To continue advancing in life regardless of past mistakes.

Used in a Sentence: Making a mistake on a test happens, but you must keep moving forward. / Dust yourself off and keep moving forward.

Similar Expressions: Progress / Advance always

46. Battle on

Definition: To keep fighting against difficulties with courage.

Used in a Sentence: The knights had to battle on through the stormy forest. / Even when tired, the debaters battled on to the final round.

Similar Expressions: Fight through / Continue struggling

47. Grin and bear it

Definition: To accept an unpleasant situation without complaining and keep going.

Used in a Sentence: Cleaning the muddy backyard was not fun, so we had to grin and bear it. / Sometimes you just need to grin and bear hard chores.

Similar Expressions: Accept quietly / Endure cheerfully

48. Keep going strong

Definition: Continuing an activity with great energy and persistence.

Used in a Sentence: Even in the fourth quarter, our basketball team was keeping going strong. / My grandfather is eighty years old and still keeping going strong.

Similar Expressions: Persist powerfully / Maintain energy

49. Push past the limits

Definition: To exceed your usual boundaries through extra effort.

Used in a Sentence: Training for the race meant we had to push past the limits. / She managed to push past the limits in her art class.

Similar Expressions: Exceed boundaries / Go beyond

50. Never say die

Definition: An encouraging expression meaning you should never give up hope.

Used in a Sentence: Our team motto was never say die, even when we fell behind. / Always remember to never say die when learning a new instrument.

Similar Expressions: Keep fighting / Never surrender

Exercise to Practice

1. When the math quiz got hard, my teacher told me to hang in there.
2. Keep your chin up even though your soccer team lost the match by sleeping on the floor.
3. The small business managed to weather the storm and become very successful.
4. Stick to your guns even if other kids say your art idea is unusual.
5. When the puzzle got tough, he decided to throw his books out the window and stop keeping on.
6. We had to ride out the storm of heavy rain inside the cabin.
7. We had to push through the exhaustion to finish the hiking trail.
8. When the project got tough, our team dug in their heels by eating ice cream.
9. Stick to the task until every math problem is solved correctly.
10. She kept her nose to the grindstone until her science report was typed.
11. It is time to put your shoulder to the wheel and clean the basement.
12. I was tired during the hike, but seeing the summit gave me a second wind.
13. Spilling milk twice at dinner was the last straw for my patience.
14. Even when the project got boring, she decided to stay the course.
15. Despite the rainy weather, the hikers decided to forge ahead.

Answer Key

1. True
2. False
3. True
4. True
5. False
6. True
7. True
8. False
9. True
10. True
11. True
12. True
13. False
14. True
15. True

Conclusion

Learning these idioms helps students make their speaking and writing much more colorful and inspiring. When you know what these phrases mean, you can understand stories and discussions about perseverance much better.

Try using one or two of these new expressions when you talk about your next school project or challenge. You will see how fun it is to bring your everyday English to life!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some common idioms for keep going?

Some popular idioms for keep going include hang in there for support, keep your chin up for staying positive, and weather the storm for enduring hard times. These expressions make everyday conversations more colorful and engaging.

Why do we use idioms in English?

Idioms add personality, humor, and color to our speech and writing. Instead of using plain words, people use idioms to paint a fun mental picture for the listener or reader.

How can kids learn idioms easily?

Kids can learn idioms best by reading fun stories, connecting the phrases to everyday situations, and practicing them in sentences. Using them during games and writing exercises helps them stick in your memory.

Can an idiom mean what the words literally say?

No, idioms have a special figurative meaning that is different from the literal definition of the individual words. For example, weathering the storm does not mean standing outside in the rain; it means surviving a tough situation.

Are idioms difficult for beginners to learn?

Idioms can seem tricky at first because their meanings are hidden, but they become easy and fun once you practice them in sentences. Learning them in small groups helps children build confidence quickly.