Idiom: 'For keeps'

I have been reading Alan Clark's Diaries recently and came across the phrase 'for keeps', as in permanently. 'Back to Saltwood for keeps'. Is this an exclusively aristocratic idiom or is it more widely used by people here? I have never encountered it excluding the set phrase 'playing for keeps'.

Reply 1

brimstone

7

Hmmm ... I know of it, obviously, but I don't actually hear it very often or use it really. I can only really think I'd use it when I'm lowering my tone of speech, and speaking more informally. I don't think I'd expect to hear an aristocrat use it.

Reply 2

Juno

20

It used to be "for good". Which also made no sense

Reply 3

Isen

OP

Juno

It used to be "for good". Which also made no sense

This was written in 1984 - it is Alan Clark (who is an upperclass aristocrat cum politician for the ignorant) quoting himself of his telling his wife his intention to leave politics and stay at home in their castle.

Reply 4

Juno

20

Isen

This was written in 1984 - it is Alan Clark (who is an upperclass aristocrat cum politician for the ignorant) quoting himself of his telling his wife his intention to leave politics and stay at home in their castle.