Keep up with the Joneses

From Fresh Dictionary

English

Phrasal verb

1. ((idiomatic{{#if:|, {{{2}}}{{#if:|, {{{3}}}{{#if:|, {{{4}}}{{#if:|, {{{5}}}{{#if:|, {{{6}}}{{#if:|, {{{7}}}{{#if:|, {{{8}}}{{#if:|, {{{9}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}})) to do or buy things for status, show, or image rather than out of need, especially for the purpose of staying ahead of friends or neighbors

   Do you really need a fancy new car, or are you just trying to keep up with the Joneses?

See also

• keep up with
• peer pressure