In the following question, four alternatives are given for the idiom/phrase "For keeps". Choose the alternative which best expresses its meaning.

Introduction / Context:
This question tests your understanding of the idiom "for keeps", which is commonly used in spoken and informal English. Idioms often cannot be understood by translating individual words literally. Instead, you must know the established figurative meaning. Recognising such idioms is important in conversations, movies, and even in exam passages or dialogues.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Idiom: "for keeps".
• Options: Himself, Away, Forever, Hid.
• We must choose the option that best captures the meaning of the idiom.
• We assume typical conversational usage of the phrase.

Concept / Approach:
The idiom "for keeps" means "to keep something permanently" or "for good" rather than temporarily. For example, if someone says "You can have this toy for keeps," it means you can keep the toy forever and do not have to return it. Therefore, the option that best matches this idea is "Forever". The other options do not carry the notion of permanent possession or lasting arrangement.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall common usage: "Is this just for today or is it for keeps?" meaning "Is this temporary, or can I keep it permanently?" Step 2: Consider option "Himself". This refers to a person and is not even a predicate meaning; it does not relate to permanence. Step 3: Consider option "Away". This simply indicates distance or separation and does not convey any idea of permanency or keeping. Step 4: Consider option "Forever". This means for all time, without end, which fits perfectly with the idea of something that is kept permanently. Step 5: Consider option "Hid". This is a past tense of "hide" and has nothing to do with keeping something permanently in the idiomatic sense. Step 6: Conclude that "Forever" is the only option that correctly expresses the idiom "for keeps".

Verification / Alternative check:
Look at a typical conversation: "Are you borrowing this book, or is it for keeps?" If you substitute "forever", it becomes: "Are you borrowing this book, or is it forever?" which clearly conveys the idea of permanent possession. Dictionaries define "for keeps" as "to be kept permanently; not to be returned". This matches "forever" or "for good". None of the other options can be inserted in such sentences without destroying the intended meaning.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Himself: A reflexive pronoun; cannot act as a definition of the idiom.
• Away: Suggests distance, not permanence or ownership.
• Hid: Refers to the act of hiding something; unrelated to whether something is kept permanently or temporarily.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners try to interpret idioms literally, thinking "for keeps" might mean "to keep hidden" or "to keep to oneself". While the phrase can imply that you are keeping something as your own, the standard meaning in dictionaries and exams is "permanently" or "forever". To handle idioms well in exams, it is important to learn them as fixed expressions with their conventional meanings rather than trying to decode them word by word.

Final Answer:
The idiom "For keeps" means Forever (to be kept permanently).