🎯What Does It Mean to Keep One's Word? Definition, Origin, & Fun Examples 🎯

📘 What Does Keep One's Word Mean?

To keep one's word means to do what you promised or said you would do. It’s about being reliable, honest, and trustworthy. When someone keeps their word, they follow through on their commitment or agreement.

📜 Origin and Background of Keep One's Word

The idiom keep one's word dates back to medieval English, when a person’s word—their spoken promise—was a symbol of honor and integrity. Back then, there were no signed contracts or digital agreements. Instead, people relied on verbal oaths, and breaking your word could ruin your reputation.

The idea of "keeping" something means holding onto it or protecting it. So when you keep your word, you’re protecting and honoring your promise.

💬 When and How Is Keep One's Word Used?

The idiom is used in everyday conversations, formal writing, and even in literature or legal discussions. It emphasizes trustworthiness and the importance of following through with what you say.

It’s commonly used:

In personal relationships (e.g., keeping promises to friends or family)
In business or work settings (e.g., honoring a contract)
In storytelling or speeches (e.g., emphasizing moral character)

🎭 Tone and Formality of Keep One's Word

This idiom is neutral to formal in tone. It’s appropriate for both professional and casual contexts. It’s often used in serious conversations where trust and commitment are key.

✍️ 5 Original Sentence Examples Using Keep One's Word

Even though it rained all day, Carla showed up to help—she always keeps her word.
The company promised bonuses, but failed to keep its word, causing frustration among employees.
If you want people to trust you, you must learn to keep your word.
Jake said he'd come to the party, but he didn’t keep his word—again!
Leaders who keep their word earn respect from their team and the public.

💡 Tips to Remember and Use Keep One's Word

🧠 Memory Aid: Imagine giving someone your "word" as a gift. If you keep it, you’re being responsible. If you lose it, you break the trust!
📓 Use it when talking about promises, agreements, and trust.
👀 Watch for it in books, movies, or quotes—it’s often used to describe dependable characters.

😂 A Funny Little Story to Remember It

Once upon a time, a knight gave his word to rescue a princess from a dragon. But the knight got distracted binge-watching medieval cooking shows. The dragon got bored and left. The princess? She became a dragon tamer. Moral of the story: if you don’t keep your word, someone else might steal your story—and your glory!

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