KEEP ON

{v.} 1. To go ahead; not stop; continue. * /The neighbors asked them to stop making noise, but they kept right on./ * /Columbus kept on until he saw land./ - Often used before a present participle. * /Relentlessly, the boy kept on asking about the birds and the bees./ * /The boy kept on talking even though the teacher had asked him to stop./ Syn.: GO ON. Compare: KEEP AT, KEEP UP. 2. To allow to continue working for you. * /The new owner kept Fred on as gardener./