keep expectations in check

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep expectations in check" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when advising someone to manage their hopes or assumptions about a situation realistically. For example: "While the project shows promise, it's important to keep expectations in check to avoid disappointment." Alternative expressions include "manage expectations" and "temper expectations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

With the all-important holiday buying season nearly upon us, Oppenheimer sought to keep expectations in check with yet another "conservative" estimate: the company expects revenues of about $52 billion and diluted earnings per share of about $11.75".

TechCrunch

You should not bench Davis, but keep expectations in check.

The New York Times - Sports

Don't bench him, but keep expectations in check.

The New York Times

The first thing to do is keep expectations in check.

The Guardian - Travel

"Hosts have to try to give a good party, and the guests have to keep expectations in check.

The New York Times

There has, of course, been talk of a formal peace deal before, so there are reasons to keep expectations in check.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Some players were keeping expectations in check.

Los Angeles Times

Daily meditations and practice help to keep you mindful and keep your expectations in check.

Huffington Post

For now, let's keep dreaming but also make sure to keep our expectations in check.

TechCrunch

But keep your expectations in check.

The New York Times

"Iran should probably keep its expectations in check.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing potential outcomes, use "keep expectations in check" to encourage a balanced and realistic perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "keep expectations in check" as an excuse for inaction or pessimism. It should promote realism, not discourage effort.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep expectations in check" functions as an idiomatic expression, used to advise caution and realism in anticipating outcomes. It encourages individuals to moderate their hopes to prevent potential disappointment, a concept seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sports

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep expectations in check" is a grammatically sound and useful phrase for advising realism. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s appropriate in neutral to professional contexts, particularly within news, sports, and business. Related phrases like "manage expectations" or "temper expectations" offer similar guidance with subtle differences in emphasis. While encouraging a balanced outlook, avoid using the phrase to justify inaction or stifle genuine optimism. Understanding the phrase's nuances and its potential impact ensures its effective and responsible use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

manage expectations

Focuses on active management rather than passive restraint of expectations.

have reasonable expectations

Highlights the importance of being sensible and balanced in anticipation.

temper expectations

Implies a gentler, more gradual adjustment of expectations.

be realistic about outcomes

Emphasizes a pragmatic assessment of potential results.

don't get your hopes up

A more direct warning against excessive optimism.

avoid excessive optimism

Directly advises against being too hopeful or positive.

lower your sights

Suggests a more significant reduction in ambition or hope.

stay grounded

Focuses on remaining practical and realistic in the face of potentially exciting prospects.

maintain a sense of perspective

Stresses the importance of seeing things in a balanced and objective way.

take it with a grain of salt

Advises caution and skepticism when considering information or claims.

FAQs

How can I use "keep expectations in check" in a sentence?

You can use "keep expectations in check" to advise someone to be realistic about what they anticipate, as in, "It's good to be optimistic, but also "keep expectations in check"."

What is a good alternative to "keep expectations in check"?

Alternatives include "manage expectations", "temper expectations", or "be realistic about outcomes".

What does it mean to "keep expectations in check"?

To "keep expectations in check" means to avoid becoming overly optimistic or hopeful about something, and instead, maintain a realistic and balanced outlook.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "keep expectations in check"?

The phrase is suitable in many situations where there is potential for disappointment, such as in business ventures, personal relationships, or when awaiting results. It's a call to be level-headed and avoid inflated hopes.