keep it lean

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep it lean" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts where one wants to emphasize simplicity, efficiency, or minimalism, often in relation to processes, projects, or diets. Example: "In our project management approach, we aim to keep it lean to ensure that we focus on the most important tasks without unnecessary distractions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Should West keep it lean like Ye and Kids See Ghosts, the album might suffer a disadvantage next to YSIV.

Forbes

I keep it lean and mean.

Huffington Post

3. Scan Daily It's probably not the norm, but I check my inbox every day, as it helps me keep it lean by deleting what I don't want.

Huffington Post

It also contains healthier fat and more vitamin E. But keep it lean!

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

New products have helped Hannibal grow, and increased efficiency has kept it lean, Rogers said.

Los Angeles Times

She refers to Animal's list, for example, as "the boss," a classic old-school selection constrained by a two-page format, which keeps it lean and ever-changing.

Los Angeles Times

Ramsay said in interviews around the launch of the restaurant that he aimed to keep "it all very lean, lean, lean.

Wikipedia

It's widely believed that while Jobs has the ultimate say on most things, Cook already handles many of the key operations of the company that keep it a lean and well-oiled machine.

TechCrunch

It's widely believed that while Jobs has the ultimate say on most things, Cook already handles many of the key operations of the company that keep it a lean and well-oiled machine.

TechCrunch

And it's asking donors to help raise $150,000 to keep its leaner team in business.

HuffPost

First, there's the 2-hour-20-minute running time, which bucks the new Bollywood trend to keep it short and lean.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "keep it lean" in business contexts, specify what you are keeping lean, such as "keep the budget lean" or "keep the team lean" to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "keep it lean" as a generic recommendation without specifying the area of focus. Vague statements like "We need to keep it lean" can lack direction and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep it lean" functions as an imperative, urging a course of action to maintain efficiency or reduce unnecessary elements. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "keep it lean" is a grammatically sound and generally accepted way to express the need for efficiency or simplicity. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English. While not exceedingly common, it appears in various contexts, particularly news and media. For more formal situations, alternatives like "maintain efficiency" might be preferable. The phrase serves as a directive to minimize waste and streamline processes. It’s a practical idiom for promoting a focus on essentials.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

maintain efficiency

Focuses on preserving optimal performance without waste.

stay streamlined

Emphasizes a smooth, efficient process with minimal obstacles.

remain efficient

Highlights the continuation of efficient practices.

keep it simple

Suggests avoiding unnecessary complexity.

optimize resources

Focuses on making the most of available resources.

reduce waste

Highlights the minimization of unnecessary expenditure or resources.

minimize overhead

Refers to reducing indirect costs or administrative expenses.

cut the fat

An idiomatic expression meaning to eliminate unnecessary elements.

be economical

Highlights the importance of avoiding waste or extravagance.

maintain a low profile

Indicates minimizing visibility or attention, often to avoid scrutiny.

FAQs

How can I use "keep it lean" in a sentence?

You can use "keep it lean" when discussing strategies to reduce costs, streamline processes, or maintain efficiency, such as "We need to "keep it lean" to stay competitive".

What does "keep it lean" mean in project management?

In project management, "keep it lean" means to focus on essential tasks, eliminate unnecessary steps, and "optimize resources" to achieve project goals efficiently.

Which is better, "keep it lean" or "keep it simple"?

Both "keep it lean" and "keep it simple" are valid, but "keep it lean" often emphasizes efficiency and resource management, while "keep it simple" focuses on avoiding complexity.

Is "keep it lean" appropriate for formal communication?

While "keep it lean" is generally understood, more formal alternatives like "maintain efficiency" or ""optimize resources"" may be more suitable for formal business or academic settings.