keep up with the Joneses
phrase
informal + often disapproving
: to show that one is as good as other people by getting what they have and doing what they do
people trying to keep up with the Joneses by buying expensive cars and clothes that they can't afford
Cite this Entry
“Keep up with the Joneses.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/keep%20up%20with%20the%20Joneses. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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