keep dry

Meanings

1. 1phraseidiom

   to keep something away from water or moisture so it stays dry

   Grammar: Used as an instruction or a general statement, often without an object when the context is clear.

   Patterns

   • keep something dry
   • keep dry

   Store the biscuits in a sealed container to keep them dry.

   The label on the box says 'keep dry'.

   You should keep your passport dry when you travel.

2. 2phraseidiom

   to stay dry yourself, especially in wet weather

   Grammar: Used without an object, often as advice or a wish.

   Patterns

   • keep dry
   • try to keep dry

   Take an umbrella to keep dry in the rain.

   We ran under a tree to keep dry during the storm.

   She wore a raincoat to keep dry on her walk to work.

Common combinations

keep something dry

Keep the matches dry or they won't light.

keep dry in the rain

You'll need a good jacket to keep dry in the rain.

store in a cool, dry place

The instructions say to store the seeds in a cool, dry place.

Synonyms and how they differ

stay dry

This focuses on remaining dry yourself, while 'keep dry' can also mean protecting an object from moisture.

protect from moisture

This is more formal and specific, often used in technical instructions; 'keep dry' is simpler and more general.

Opposites

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “keep dry”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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