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What does "Keep the lights on" mean?
To maintain basic operations or ensure the continued functioning of a system or organization.
When do you use "Keep the lights on"?
This phrase is appropriate in discussions about maintaining operations during difficult times, budgeting for essential services, or when referring to the necessity of keeping a business or project afloat.
"Keep the lights on" Usage Examples
- During the economic downturn, we had to make tough decisions just to keep the lights on.
- The nonprofit organization relies on donations to keep the lights on and continue providing services to the community.
- Even though our sales are down, we still need to keep the lights on and pay our employees.
- As a startup, our primary focus is to keep the lights on until we secure more funding.
- It's important to keep the lights on in the project while we work on the long-term strategy.
"Keep the lights on" Explained
The phrase 'keep the lights on' originates from the literal need to have lights turned on to ensure visibility and safety in a physical space. Over time, it evolved into a metaphor for sustaining essential functions, especially in business contexts, where it often refers to managing resources to ensure the company continues to operate, even if it's not thriving.