The company somebody keeps
noun
The people with whom one spends a lot of time.
You can tell a lot about a person by observing the company they keep.
Often appears as...
- keep good company
- keep bad company
Usage tips
Idiomatic
noun
Group or circle of associates, typically used in a negative context.
His parents were concerned about the company he kept as he started hanging out with the neighborhood bullies.
Often appears as...
- keep bad company
- dangerous company
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
noun
The people with whom one spends a lot of time.
You can tell a lot about a person by observing the company they keep.
Often appears as...
- keep good company
- keep bad company
Usage tips
Idiomatic
noun
Group or circle of associates, typically used in a negative context.
His parents were concerned about the company he kept as he started hanging out with the neighborhood bullies.
Often appears as...
- keep bad company
- dangerous company
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Social Judgment
The phrase often implies how others view someone based on their friends.
A politician should be mindful of the company they keep.
Pro Tip 2/3Neutral or Positive
This definition can be used in positive contexts unlike the other one.
She keeps the company of intellectuals and artists.
Pro Tip 3/3Reflects Personal Values
It suggests that the friends one chooses reflect their own values or character.
He's truly generous, as seen by the company he keeps.
Pro Tip 1/3Social Judgment
The phrase often implies how others view someone based on their friends.
A politician should be mindful of the company they keep.
Pro Tip 2/3Neutral or Positive
This definition can be used in positive contexts unlike the other one.
She keeps the company of intellectuals and artists.
Pro Tip 3/3Reflects Personal Values
It suggests that the friends one chooses reflect their own values or character.
He's truly generous, as seen by the company he keeps.
Pro Tip 1/3Social Judgment
The phrase often implies how others view someone based on their friends.
A politician should be mindful of the company they keep.
Pro Tip 2/3Neutral or Positive
This definition can be used in positive contexts unlike the other one.
She keeps the company of intellectuals and artists.
Pro Tip 3/3Reflects Personal Values
It suggests that the friends one chooses reflect their own values or character.
He's truly generous, as seen by the company he keeps.
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