Phrase guide
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.
verb
To maintain order among spectators encircling participants in a prizefight or a performance and keep them from coming too near the participants.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: obsolete
Topics: entertainment, hobbies, lifestyle, sports, theater
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: keep the ring
Antonyms: none provided
verb
To be a spectator at a fight; (figuratively) to watch other people argue.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
verb
To oversee a situation while attempting to remain uninvolved in it.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: UK, idiomatic
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
verb
Of a prizefighter: to hold one's own during a fight; to continue winning a series of fights.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Topics: hobbies, lifestyle, sports
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
History
Probably from keep the ring. In days past when spectators would encircle participants in a prizefight or a performance, people would be employed to maintain order among them and keep them from coming too near the participants.
