Wiktionary
vb. (context idiomatic English) To act or make purchases for status or image rather than out of need, especially for the purpose of compete with friends or neighbors.
Usage examples of "keep up with the joneses".
It was expensive, and they weren't even trying to keep up with the Joneses!
There was social pressure at Piano East, but my mother and I couldn't begin to keep up with the Joneses, so we didn't even try.
We may want to keep up with the Joneses -- but not with the Vanderbilts.
We may want to keep up with the Joneses - but not with the Vanderbilts.
We have no desire to keep up with the Joneses, or have a larger house, or boat—.
We have no desire to keep up with the Joneses, or have a larger house, or boatin those islands large enough to have suitable bodies of waterthan our neighbors.