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THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE

Keep something in perspective

Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.

01 / UNDERSTAND

Meaning in plain English

Judge something reasonably by considering its place in the wider situation.

02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT

The expression in a sentence

  1. I was disappointed with one test result, but I tried to keep it in perspective.

03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

Quick idiom quiz

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Can you recall the expression?

Which expression from this lesson matches this meaning?

Judge something reasonably by considering its place in the wider situation.
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Keep something in perspective — Judge something reasonably by considering its place in the wider situation.

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Make it yours

Write one sentence using “Keep something in perspective” about your own life.

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Judge something reasonably by considering its place in the wider situation.

Compare: I was disappointed with one test result, but I tried to keep it in perspective.

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More ways to understand and use it

When to use it

Use this expression when a concern needs a balanced assessment. It can reassure someone, but acknowledge their problem so it does not sound dismissive.

More examples in context

  • Comparing the delay with the whole project helped us keep things in perspective.
  • It is a real setback, but we should keep it in perspective and review our options.

Usage note

Replace “something” with an object: “keep the mistake in perspective” or “keep it in perspective”. It means judging importance fairly, rather than pretending a problem does not exist.

A short conversation

A: I made one mistake in the presentation.
B: Let’s keep it in perspective. The main explanation was clear, and you corrected the figure.
A: You’re right. I can learn from it.

One more practice question

What helps keep a single disappointing test result in perspective?

A. Considering it alongside your overall progress.
B. Treating it as proof that all your learning has failed.

Check your answer

A. Looking at the wider pattern supports a fairer assessment.

Related lessons

Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.

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