Expression: keeping up with the Joneses

[Tamta]

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #581 "Real Life: Rural vs. Urban Living", question 6

City dwellers often complain about living in close proximity to others because they feel a constant need to live up to the standards set by their neighbors. This is called keeping up with the ..........

(a) Smiths
(b) Idlers
(c) Joneses

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #581 "Real Life: Rural vs. Urban Living", answer 6

City dwellers often complain about living in close proximity to others because they feel a constant need to live up to the standards set by their neighbors. This is called keeping up with the Joneses.

Correct answer: (c) Joneses

Your answer was: incorrect
City dwellers often complain about living in close proximity to others because they feel a constant need to live up to the standards set by their neighbors. This is called keeping up with the Idlers.
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Hello,could you tell me,please, what does this expression mean? keeping up with the Joneses?

[Alan]

Hi Tamta,

'Keeping up with the Joneses' means trying to copy and be as up to date as everyone else with expensive material items. 'Jones' is a common surname. If you trying to keep up with everyone else, it means if your next door neighbour buys a huge TV with a very wide screen, you go out and buy one, too.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
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