keeps, kept, keeping
to keep down
phrasal verb
To stop food or drink from being vomited
- 1After the surgery, she struggled to keep down any food.
- 2He couldn't keep down his breakfast due to the flu.
When you eat or drink something and it stays in your stomach without coming back up, it means your body is able to hold the food or drink inside. If you are sick and you do not throw up after eating, your stomach is keeping the food inside.
Doctors or nurses often ask if you can keep down water or food after being sick, to check if your stomach is ready for more.
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in a retail store
A Tough Shopping Day
Amanda
I don't feel well after lunch, but I hope I can keep down the sandwich.
Emily
Oh no, that's not good. Do you want to sit down for a bit?
Amanda
Yeah, maybe just for a moment. I really want to find those shoes.
Emily
Take your time, we can look around once you're feeling better.
at a hair appointment
A Hairy Situation
Edward
I hope you're feeling better today, Sandra.
Sandra
Thanks, Edward. I managed to keep down some soup this morning.
Edward
That's good to hear. Let me know if you need a break.
Sandra
I will, thanks for understanding.
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to keep down meanings: