Keeping up with the Joneses

Definitions

trying to match or surpass the lifestyle or possessions of others, often for the purpose of impressing them or fitting in
Used to describe the act of trying to keep pace with the materialistic or social standards set by others, often leading to financial strain or emotional dissatisfaction

Examples of Keeping up with the Joneses

The new neighbors moved in two weeks ago and since then, I've noticed that they have installed a pool, a brand new lawn mower, and even put up a fence. I'm starting to feel like I need to keep up with the Joneses and upgrade my own backyard.

In this example, "keeping up with the Joneses" means trying to match or surpass the lifestyle or material possessions of one's neighbors, specifically the hypothetical family named Jones.
I used to be satisfied with my old car, but now that my coworker bought a shiny new one, I find myself worrying about how my car looks in comparison. I'm beginning to feel like I need to keep up with the Joneses and upgrade my car, too.

In this example, "keeping up with the Joneses" refers to feeling pressure to keep pace with others in terms of possessions or status.
My friend told me about a new restaurant that she went to last week, and it's been ranked the best in the city. I'm beginning to feel like I should keep up with the Joneses and try out this restaurant myself, just to see if it really is as good as everyone says.

In this example, "keeping up with the Joneses" can mean staying current with popular trends, opinions, or experiences.
I noticed that my sister started a new workout routine and is already seeing great results. I'm starting to feel like I need to keep up with the Joneses and start exercising regularly, too.

In this example, "keeping up with the Joneses" can mean trying to match someone else's efforts or achievements in a particular area, such as fitness.Note: The provided examples are for illustrative purposes only and do not necessarily reflect the author's personal experiences or opinions.
The Smiths have just renovated their kitchen and installed state-of-the-art appliances. Now, we feel the pressure to keep up with the Joneses and upgrade our outdated kitchen as well.

This is an example of the idiom "keeping up with the Joneses" meaning the desire to match or exceed the lifestyle of one's neighbors or peers. In this case, the Smiths have set a standard for home renovations and the narrator feels the need to follow suit.
Jane's husband just got a promotion and bought a brand new luxury car. We can't let the Joneses outdo us, so we're considering trading in our old clunker for something more impressive.

This example demonstrates the competitive nature of keeping up with the Joneses. The narrator doesn't want to fall behind and lose status in the neighborhood.
The Joneses just built a huge extravagant pool in their backyard. We're debating whether it's worth it to splurge on a pool too, or if we should stick with our modest above-ground model.

This example shows how material possessions and status can drive people's decisions, even if it means overspending or going into debt.
The neighborhood is buzzing with gossip about the Joneses' elaborate New Year's Eve party. We're considering throwing a big bash too, to stay on par with the Joneses and maintain our reputation as a desirable neighbor.

This example reveals the social implications of keeping up with the Joneses, as the narrator seems to care more about appearances and social standing than personal preference or financial realities.

Conclusion

The idiom "Keeping up with the Joneses" refers to the tendency of individuals to compare themselves to others and strive to match or surpass their lifestyle or possessions. This often leads to unnecessary stress and dissatisfaction as people try to keep pace with unrealistic standards set by others. The idiom is commonly used to caution against the negative effects of materialism and the pressure to conform to societal expectations.

In everyday conversations, the phrase is used to highlight the futility of trying to compete with others in terms of material possessions or social status. It serves as a warning against the pitfalls of comparing oneself to others and the potential consequences of striving to keep up with unrealistic standards.

Origin of "Keeping up with the Joneses"

The origin of the idiom "Keeping up with the Joneses" can be traced back to the early 20th century, when it became popular in the United States. The Joneses were a fictional family commonly used as a benchmark for social and material success. The phrase is believed to have originated from a comic strip titled "Keeping Up with the Joneses" by Arthur R. "Pop" Momand, which ran in American newspapers from 1913 to 1938. The comic depicted the comical efforts of the McGinis family to keep up with their neighbors, the Joneses, in terms of wealth and social standing.

The idiom gained widespread popularity during the post-World War II era, as consumerism and the pursuit of material wealth became more prevalent in American society. It has since become a widely recognized expression used to caution against the social and financial pressures of trying to emulate the lifestyles of others. The phrase has been adapted into various languages and is commonly used in discussions about consumer culture and the pursuit of status.