C1idiominformalpeopleIELTS-friendly
keep up with the Joneses
USUK
to try to own the same things as your neighbours or friends, so you look as successful
Critical: it suggests spending money you don't need to spend. 'The Joneses' means any neighbours, not a real family.
In context
They bought a bigger car just to keep up with the Joneses.
Social media makes it harder than ever to stop keeping up with the Joneses.
More idioms about people
- a chip off the old blocka child who is very like one of their parents in character or skills
- a cold fishsomeone who seems unfriendly and does not show feelings
- a drama queensomeone who reacts to small problems as if they were very serious
- a fair-weather friendsomeone who is your friend only when things are going well for you
- a friend in need is a friend indeeda person who helps you when you are in trouble is a true friend