for keeps

prepositional phrase3

1. •
   With an agreement or intention to retain what one gains or receives.

   • When we gamble at poker, we play for keeps.
2. •
   Permanently, so that one can keep something indefinitely.

   • The Griswold trophy was presented to its winner, for keeps, since it was the third time she had won it. — 1925
3. •
   With a strong competitive resolve to win or succeed, as in sports or business.

   • "We both got a job to do. They play for keeps and we play for keeps too," Haggans said. — 2007