keep good time: meaning & examples

Meanings:

• 1.

  generalneutral
  • (Of a clock or watch) To measure and display time accurately; to run at the correct rate.

  Examples

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  • My grandfather’s old watch keeps good time even after all these years.

    My grandfather’s old watch measures and displays time accurately even after all these years.

  • Does your wristwatch keep good time, or does it need adjusting?

    Does your wristwatch measure and display time accurately, or does it need adjusting?

  • The antique clock kept good time throughout the entire ceremony, much to everyone's surprise.

    The antique clock measured and displayed time accurately throughout the entire ceremony, much to everyone's surprise.

  • If the wall clock doesn’t keep good time, we might miss the start of the meeting.

    If the wall clock doesn’t measure and display time accurately, we might miss the start of the meeting.

• 2.

  generalneutral
  • To maintain an appropriate or steady tempo or rhythm, as in music, dance, or coordinated activity.

  Examples

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  • The drummer kept good time throughout the band’s entire performance.

    The drummer maintained an appropriate and steady tempo throughout the band’s entire performance.

  • If you don’t keep good time while dancing, it’s hard to stay in sync with your partner.

    If you don’t maintain a steady rhythm while dancing, it’s hard to stay in sync with your partner.

  • The conductor praised the orchestra for keeping good time during the challenging piece.

    The conductor praised the orchestra for maintaining a steady tempo during the challenging piece.

  • We need to keep good time on this project to meet the deadline next month.

    We need to maintain an appropriate pace on this project to meet the deadline next month.