K

[kangaroo court] {n.}

A self-appointed group that decides what to do to someone who is supposed to have done wrong.

/The Chicago mob held a kangaroo court and shot the gangster who competed with Al Capone./

[keel] See: ON AN EVEN KEEL.

[keel over] {v.}

1. To turn upside down; tip over; overturn. — Usually refers to a boat.

/The strong wind made the sailboat keel over and the passengers fell into the water./

2. {informal} To fall over in a faint; taint.

* /It was so hot during ...

[keen about] or [on] {adj. phr.}

Very enthusiastic about someone or something.

/It is well known that Queen Elizabeth is keen on horses./

[keep abreast (of) someone] or [something] {v. phr.}

To be informed of the latest developments.

/It is difficult to keep abreast of all the various wars that are being waged on planet Earth./

Compare: KEEP STEP WITH.

[keep a civil tongue in one's head] {v. phr.}

To be polite in speaking.

/He was very angry with his boss, but he kept a civil tongue in his head./

/The bus driver began yelling at the woman and she told him to keep a civil tongue in his head./

[keep a close check on] See: KEEP TAB(S) ON.

[keep after] {v.}, {informal}

To speak to (someone) about something again and again; remind over and over again.

/Some pupils will do sloppy work unless the teacher keeps after them to write neatly./

* /Sue's mother had to keep after her to clean ...

[keep an ear to the ground] See: EAR TO THE GROUND.

[keep an eye on] or [keep one's eye on] or [have one's eye on] {v. phr.}

1. To watch carefully; not stop paying attention to.

/Keep an eye on the stove in case the coffee boils./

/You must keep your eye on the ball when you play tennis./

* /A ...