+ Reply to Thread
Results 1 to 9 of 9

Thread: playing for keeps

 
  1. #1
    Forum User
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Location
    Buenos Aires, ARG
    Posts
    32
    Rep Power
    189

    Default playing for keeps

    Hola!

    Estoy buscando la traducción exacta de esta frase "playing for keeps".

    El contexto es la canción de Phil Collins, In Too Deep:

    Listen, you know I love you, but I just can't take this,
    You know I love you, but I'm playing for keeps,
    Although I need you, I'm not gonna make this,
    You know I want to, but I'm in too deep.


    Sería algo así como "cortar por lo sano"? Estoy buscando alguna expresión idiomática que sea más o menos equivalente.

    Gracias!

  2. #2
    Contributing User
    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Posts
    156
    Rep Power
    230

    Default Re: playing for keeps

    Algo como 'jugando/actuando en serio'

    Dennis
    en Indiana

  3. #3
    Contributing User
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Hipódromo de La Condesa, Ciudad de México
    Age
    59
    Posts
    163
    Rep Power
    380

    Default Re: playing for keeps

    estoy apostando a lo seguro, lo que quiero es protegerte -o proteger la relación (quiere una relación estable).
    Sí como dice Penni, actuando en serio.
    Last edited by Benilde Moreno; 06-08-2009 at 03:57 PM.

  4. #4
    Forum User
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Location
    Buenos Aires, ARG
    Posts
    32
    Rep Power
    189

    Default Re: playing for keeps

    Thank you Benilde and Dennis. I was not familiar with that meaning. It does make sense!
    Thanks.

  5. #5
    Registered User
    Join Date
    Jun 2009
    Posts
    19
    Rep Power
    186

    Default Re: playing for keeps

    Hola! No se si esto te ayude pero, "playing for keeps" es cuando tu tomas algo muy en serio y, no es solo un juego. Ahora mismo desconozco que expresion idiomatica seria la mas adecuada pero, seria algo como "jugar para ganar", o estar en algo para ganar. Puedes ir a google y buscar "meaning" o "translation" de "playing for keeps" a ver que consigues.

  6. #6
    Forum User
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Location
    Buenos Aires, ARG
    Posts
    32
    Rep Power
    189

    Default Re: playing for keeps

    Gracias Melissa por tu aporte!

  7. #7
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Location
    Santo Domingo de Heredia, Costa Rica
    Age
    80
    Posts
    219
    Rep Power
    507

    Smile Re: playing for keeps

    Here's the idea behind the phrase.

    The expression doubtlessly came from children. You have ten marbles and I have ten marbles. You win all my marbles. When we go home, you return to me the ten marbles that you have won. That is playing for fun. When we go home, you keep all my marbles and maybe call me "malparido" too, then that is playing for keeps.

    The expression is often heard in military or police movies. "He plays for keeps" means "He will try to kill you." "To play for keeps" means to be quite serious about what one is doing. It's not a game to your opponent. It's not a joke to the other player/participant. He wants badly to win.

  8. #8
    Contributing User
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Hipódromo de La Condesa, Ciudad de México
    Age
    59
    Posts
    163
    Rep Power
    380

    Default Re: playing for keeps

    So, apuesto a lo seguro, is the one.
    If you don't like that one then, as in Thomas example, it would be
    voy por todas when talking about poker or marbles. The expression is used in any circumstance when you are determined to win.
    voy a lo seguro, would also apply.

  9. #9
    Forum User
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Location
    Buenos Aires, ARG
    Posts
    32
    Rep Power
    189

    Default Re: playing for keeps

    I really appreacite your feedback. I love this forum. I am learning a lot. That was a great explanation, thank you both!!!

+ Reply to Thread

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Similar Threads

  1. playing at (something)
    By Philabiblion in forum General English to Spanish Translation
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 09-02-2010, 07:57 PM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •