Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Keep away

Keep away is a simple, competitive in which two or more attempt to pass an object, typically a , among themselves to prevent one or more designated from intercepting or obtaining it. Commonly played by children on playgrounds, keep away serves as an accessible activity requiring minimal equipment, often just a , and can be adapted for small or large groups. In its standard form, a group of outer stand in a circle or formation and pass the by tossing or bouncing it below head height, while a central player—known as "it"—tries to deflect, intercept, or tag the or its holder; may not hold the for more than three seconds to maintain quick play. If the central player succeeds in intercepting a or tagging a holder, they typically switch roles with one of the outer , allowing the game to continue dynamically. Beyond recreational play, keep away is widely used as a training drill in sports such as soccer, , , and to enhance skills like passing accuracy, defensive positioning, possession retention, and decision-making under pressure. Variations include team-based formats where one side defends while the other maintains possession within a defined area, timed challenges to complete a set number of passes, or additions like multiple balls or neutral helpers to increase complexity and promote teamwork. These adaptations make it suitable for , fostering physical benefits such as improved , coordination, throwing, catching, and quick reactions.

Introduction

Definition and Objective

Keep away is a simple, circle-based children's game in which a group of players pass a to one another while attempting to prevent a designated , known as "it," positioned in the center from intercepting or catching it. The game emphasizes and evasion, with the outer players forming a to facilitate quick exchanges. The primary objective for the players on the outside is to maintain possession of the ball by passing it successfully among themselves without allowing the central player to touch or secure it. If the central player succeeds in intercepting the ball, the game concludes for that round, and roles rotate: the successful interceptor joins , while one of the outer players—often the one who threw the intercepted pass—becomes the new "it." This rotation ensures all participants experience both defending and pursuing roles. Core mechanics involve rapid, accurate passes thrown across the circle, with standard rules limiting any player to holding the ball for no more than three seconds to promote continuous movement and prevent stalling. A typical setup features 5 to 8 players arranged in a circle, with one player starting in the center; this configuration allows for dynamic play while keeping the activity accessible for small groups. Variations of the game may alter these elements, such as using different objects or field sizes, but the focus remains on and .

Historical Context

Keep away, a simple folk game involving the passing of an object to prevent by an excluded , has roots in traditional children's play activities without a documented inventor or precise origin date. As an informal pursuit, it parallels early forms of object-passing games observed in various cultures, but specific historical records of the under its modern name are scarce prior to the . The activity likely evolved organically from basic interactions, where children used available items like balls or improvised objects to engage in cooperative exclusionary play, similar to reversed mechanics but focused on rather than pursuit. The 's terminology and structure began appearing in American contexts during the early , with "keep-away" referenced in by . A by Clifford Kennedy Berryman depicts U.S. leaders engaging in a keep-away game with an economy-labeled ball, illustrating the term's familiarity in everyday language at the time. Influenced by related European folk variants, such as the German "Schweinchen in der Mitte" (piggy in the middle), the game emerged prominently in playgrounds and streets during the 19th and early 20th centuries, though without formal codification. The variant "monkey in the middle" gained traction mid-century, with the tracing its earliest printed use to 1952 in a newspaper, reflecting its spread as a named activity among . Keep away's popularity surged in American schools and summer camps following , aligning with expanded programs emphasizing no-equipment activities for skill-building. Postwar youth recreation guides and curricula from the frequently included it as a core exercise for developing coordination, , and . For instance, a 1951 Boston University thesis on integrating English and for sixth graders describes keep away as a team-based game using three groups to practice passing and evasion. Similarly, elementary school materials from the early , as documented in a 1973 historical review, list keep away alongside relays and circle games to promote basic motor skills in unstructured settings. This era marked its formal recognition as an accessible, inclusive playground staple during a time of increased focus on through play.

Gameplay

Basic Rules

Keep away is typically played with a group of 4 or more children forming an outer circle or square, with one player designated as "it" standing in the center. The outer players pass a to one another while attempting to prevent the central player from intercepting it, thereby keeping the ball away from "it." The central player moves within the formation to try to catch or tag the ball during passes. Passes must be made by tossing or bouncing the ball to another outer player, with the ball kept below the head level of the central player to ensure and . Outer players may not hold the ball for longer than three seconds before passing, which maintains a fast pace and prevents stalling. Passes are generally directed across the circle to non-adjacent players when possible, though adjacent passes are allowed, and the objective is to direct them in a way that challenges the central player's reach without aiming directly at them. If the central player successfully intercepts a pass, the outer player who made that pass switches places with "it," becoming the new central player, while the interceptor joins the outer circle. This rotation ensures all participants take turns in the center, promoting fairness and continued engagement. The game has no fixed end but continues indefinitely through these switches, or until the group leader calls a stop, often after multiple rotations to allow everyone a chance in the center. The duration is flexible and adaptable to group size and energy levels, though it can extend based on participant stamina. To promote safe play, all tosses and bounces should remain below head height to minimize from errant balls, and players are encouraged to maintain spacing in the circle to avoid collisions during movement. No physical contact is permitted between the central player and outer players, such as grabbing or pushing, to keep the focus on ball-handling skills rather than physical confrontation.

Equipment and Setup

Keep away is designed as a low-barrier activity that requires only basic materials to facilitate immediate play in various environments. The primary equipment consists of a single soft, lightweight ball, such as a foam or rubber playground ball, which ensures safety for all ages during passing and interception attempts. Setup involves players forming a circle in an open space on grass, pavement, or a floor, with one participant positioned in the center to attempt interceptions while the others pass the ball around the perimeter. For groups exceeding 5-8 players or to contain more dynamic movement, boundaries can be marked using cones or to define the play area clearly. In organized or supervised sessions, optional items like a whistle for the and a for timed rounds can enhance structure without complicating the core experience. To promote , adaptations include selecting larger, softer for younger children to minimize impact risks during play. An open area large enough for the formation and necessary mobility accommodates 5-10 participants.

Variations

Individual Variations

One prominent individual variation of keep away is Monkey in the Middle, where a single player designated as the "monkey" stands in the center while two to four outer players form a or line around them. The outer players pass a soft over the monkey's head, aiming to prevent , and if the monkey catches the ball, they switch places with the player who last threw it, rotating the role. To increase the challenge for the central player, a bouncing rule can be introduced, requiring the ball to bounce once before being caught by any participant, which slows the pace of play and gives the "it" player more time to react. This modification is particularly useful in small groups of three to five players, as it emphasizes timing and positioning over raw speed. Another tweak involves imposing time limits on possession, such as requiring outer players to pass the ball within two to three seconds of receiving it; failure to do so results in that player switching to the center position. This rule heightens the game's intensity and encourages quick decision-making in setups with fewer than six participants. A no-catch version lowers the skill barrier by allowing the central player to win a turn simply by touching or deflecting the rather than fully catching it, making the game accessible for beginners or younger players in groups of two to four. In this format, the outer players still pass a soft as in the standard rules, but the central player's success relies more on reach and anticipation.

Team-Based Variations

Team-based variations of keep away scale the game for larger groups, typically dividing players into opposing teams to emphasize possession, passing, and defensive pressure within a bounded area. These formats introduce competitive elements such as scoring through consecutive passes or zone advancements, fostering and strategic play. Often used in sports training like soccer, they adapt the basic rules to promote skill development in group settings. Ultimate Keep Away is a vigorous game typically played with leaders (2-3) passing a among themselves while a larger group of children (8-12) attempts to intercept, or with children passing under rules like throwing within 5 seconds and including all players. Possession switches on , focusing on maintaining passing streaks to elevate and practice movement skills; it can be adapted with a instead of . The 3v1 Keep Away setup features three maintaining against one in a small enclosed , focusing on quick passes and creating passing angles to retain the ball for as long as possible. The objective for attackers is to maximize time, often measured in seconds or until , while the pressures the ball carrier and closes lanes. Commonly employed in soccer training, this format builds technical skills and can be scaled to 4v2 for added challenge. Zone variations divide the playing into multiple sections, requiring teams to advance the through passes across without defenders entering certain areas, promoting progressive build-up play. For example, in a 6v3 setup across three , attackers score by completing ten consecutive passes in an , earning additional points for every five passes thereafter, while defenders transition the to the opposite upon to reset the play. This structure simulates match scenarios where teams must maintain control while moving forward. Tournament-style keep away organizes play into multiple timed rounds, with teams competing in elimination or point-based formats where interceptions lead to possession changes and scoring rewards consecutive passes, such as one point per five successful ones. Games might run for three minutes per round across several sets, allowing for eight or more matches to determine a winner based on total points or fewest interceptions. This competitive framework heightens engagement in group sessions. Inclusive team play incorporates frequent defender rotations to balance skill levels, particularly in youth groups, ensuring all participants experience both offensive and defensive roles. In a 3v1 rotating format, a new enters after each possession loss or set time, passing the ball to before joining, which promotes equal participation and prevents fatigue or dominance by stronger players. This approach enhances accessibility and team cohesion.

Cultural and Social Aspects

Naming and Regional Differences

In the , the game is commonly referred to as "keep away," emphasizing the objective of preventing the central player from intercepting the ball, or alternatively as "monkey in the middle," a term first recorded in 1952 in sources. In the , it is known as "piggy in the middle" or "pig in the middle," with the earliest documented reference appearing in 1887 in a compilation describing a similar children's activity where a central player attempts to break through or intercept. Australia shares the British naming convention, calling the game "piggy in the middle," as evidenced in contemporary educational and recreational resources for youth sports and play. These regional naming differences highlight linguistic variations in English-speaking areas, with "pig" reflecting older British colloquialisms for the isolated player, while "monkey" emerged later in American contexts possibly drawing from playful animal imagery. The term "monkey in the middle" has sparked debate in modern discussions about potential racial insensitivity, though it is generally understood as referring to the animal. Historically, the game has been gender-neutral among children.

Educational and Developmental Benefits

Keep away, a simple ball-passing game, offers significant physical benefits to participants, particularly children, by enhancing hand-eye coordination through precise passing and catching mechanics, while promoting via rapid directional changes to evade interceptions. The constant movement involved also supports , as players engage in sustained moderate-to-vigorous activity that elevates heart rates and improves endurance. On the social front, the game fosters and communication among outer players, who must coordinate passes to maintain possession, thereby building and cooperative strategies. When a player becomes "it," the experience teaches and management, as they learn to persist despite temporary exclusion, promoting emotional regulation in group settings. Research from the emphasizes that unstructured and semi-structured play like keep away contributes to social well-being by encouraging peer interactions that develop and inclusivity skills. Cognitively, keep away sharpens , as players anticipate opponents' movements to execute or intercept passes, while demanding sustained to track the ball amid distractions. Its adaptability across age groups—such as smaller circles for younger children or larger areas for older ones—helps build by allowing progressive mastery without intense . The game's low entry barrier, requiring minimal rules and no advanced abilities, ensures broad participation, making it inclusive for diverse physical and cognitive levels and reducing barriers to engagement in group activities. In educational contexts, keep away has been integrated into curricula since the 1970s as part of the New Games movement, which emphasized non-competitive activities to develop fundamental motor skills and promote cooperative play over elimination-based games.

Appearances in Film and Television

Keep away, also known as "monkey in the middle" or "pickle" in certain variants, has been depicted in numerous films and television shows as a simple yet evocative game that highlights themes of childhood innocence, , and . In the 1993 coming-of-age film , the young s engage in a game of "pickle"—a baseball-infused version of keep away where runners try to advance between bases while fielders tag them out—during their summer adventures on the local diamond, serving as a rite-of-passage moment that underscores camaraderie and bravery. Similarly, the 1992 family comedy Beethoven portrays a darker side through a scene where school tormentors target the young Ted with his glasses, exemplifying until the family dog intervenes, emphasizing protection and family bonds. On television, keep away frequently appears in animated series to illustrate power imbalances among youth. In The Simpsons episode "Boy-Scoutz 'n the Hood" (Season 5, Episode 8, 1993), school bullies Jimbo, Kearney, Dolph, and Nelson torment Bart Simpson by playing keep away with his new Junior American Protectors uniform, mocking his enthusiasm for scouting and reinforcing the show's satirical take on adolescent hierarchies. These scenes in The Simpsons often use the game to humorously critique bullying while showing characters' resilience. The game's appearances in commonly symbolize broader social tensions, such as the vulnerability of the "it" player amid group exclusion, which mirrors real-world experiences of or . In sports dramas and youth-oriented narratives, it can shift to represent , as seen in montages or friendly competitions that build skills and , though bully variants dominate to evoke for the outnumbered participant. Recent streaming content continues this tradition; for example, promotional material for the 2025 live-action remake of features dominating a game of keep away on the field. Overall, these portrayals leverage the game's simplicity to explore camaraderie versus conflict without delving into complex rules, aligning with its casual nature in .

References in Literature and Sports

In , keep away often serves as a device to explore themes of , rivalry, and social hierarchies among young characters. In Judy Blume's (1974), a group of fifth-graders on a taunts a classmate named Linda by dubbing her "Blubber" and playing keep away with her jacket, tossing it out of reach while mocking her weight; this scene illustrates the casual cruelty of and the role of bystanders in perpetuating exclusion, drawing from Blume's observations of real childhood dynamics. The game underscores sibling-like rivalries extended to school friends, where possession becomes a tool for dominance and emotional harm. Similar motifs appear in more recent novels, evoking keep away in contexts of to highlight growth through adversity. For instance, in Claire Swinarski's The Kate in Between (), popular girls led by Taylor engage in a keep-away game with newcomer Haddie's , luring her onto thin ice in a ; Haddie falls through while retrieving it, prompting a rescue by the and forcing reflections on fitting in. This depiction connects the game to broader coming-of-age narratives, where seemingly innocent play reveals vulnerabilities and catalyzes amid competitive social environments. In sports writing, keep away features prominently in coaching manuals and memoirs as a for building foundational skills like possession and . guides from the onward, amid the rise of small-sided games in North American soccer, detailed keep away as an essential warm-up to simulate match pressure and refine passing; for example, early implementations in programs like those from the emphasized 4v2 or 5v2 formats to encourage quick decisions under duress. In literature, such as technique-focused texts, the game parallels drills to hone ball-handling and evasion, akin to soccer's emphasis on maintaining control against defenders. These references portray keep away not just as play but as a vehicle for athletic maturation, mirroring literary themes of fostering .

Other Meanings

In Sports Training

In soccer, keep away is commonly adapted as the "" drill, typically structured as a 3v1 possession game where three attackers maintain the ball against one defender in a , enhancing passing accuracy and the ability to withstand defensive pressure. This format originated in professional training in the 1970s through Spanish coach Laureano Ruiz at , where it became a staple for developing technical proficiency under duress. In , keep away manifests as games that emphasize ball-handling skills while facing active , helping players improve footwork and control under pressure. These drills are integrated into NBA youth programs, such as those from the Jr. NBA, where groups of three to five players pass within a defined area like a square formed by cones, with a defender attempting interceptions to simulate game scenarios. Keep away drills extend to other sports, including for practicing setting through controlled exchanges to refine touch and positioning. Sessions typically last 5-10 minutes to maintain intensity without fatigue overload. These drills build by elevating game and mental , while fostering through rapid choices in tight spaces; they are scalable using grids like 10x10 yards to adjust difficulty based on skill level. Professional teams, such as , employ advanced variations in academy sessions as a foundational warm-up to instill principles.

Idiomatic and Colloquial Uses

The phrase "keep away" functions as a phrasal verb in English, meaning to maintain a physical or metaphorical from someone or something, or to prevent approach or . It often implies deliberate action to avoid proximity, as in warnings like "keep away from " to prevent danger. This usage emphasizes separation for safety or restraint, distinct from the children's of the same name; the sense of "keep-away" is first recorded in 1925. The expression's origins trace to , with "keep away" attested as early as the late in the sense of causing absence or remaining distant. By the , it appeared frequently in to convey avoidance or restraint, such as in ' Our Mutual Friend (1865), where a character laments, "I can't keep away from it," referring to an inescapable pull toward the River Thames. This predates the game's documentation, indicating the phrase evolved independently as a colloquial directive in everyday language. In speech and s, "keep away" features in idiomatic expressions promoting caution or , notably in the 19th-century Welsh "Eat an apple on going to bed, and you'll keep the from earning his bread," first recorded in and later rhymed as "An apple a day keeps the away" by 1913. Though unrelated to , its structure parallels avoidance themes. In , the phrase advises protecting children, as in "keep the kids away from the fire," to enforce boundaries and safety. Similarly, in relationships, it warns against entanglements, such as "keep away from bad influences" to avoid trouble or emotional harm. Over time, "keep away" has adapted to colloquial contexts, retaining its of evasion while appearing in informal like "keep drama away" to maintain personal . This evolution reflects its versatility in English, from literal warnings in the to subtle relational strategies today, always underscoring proactive distance.

References

  1. [1]
    KEEP-AWAY Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
    Oct 26, 2025 · The meaning of KEEP-AWAY is a game in which two or more players try to keep an object (such as a ball) from one or more other players.Missing: rules | Show results with:rules
  2. [2]
    Keep Away | Fit Kids Healthy Kids - Sport Manitoba
    Ball must be tossed or bounced below the head of the person who is 'it'. The ball cannot be held for more than three seconds. If your pass is intercepted, ...Missing: definition history
  3. [3]
    Circle Keep-Away Passing Game - Drills - SoccerXpert
    Jan 24, 2011 · This keep-away game is a fun passing exercise for younger players that focuses on the passing game while playing keep away.
  4. [4]
    The Power of Keep Away - 10 Games That Develop Players
    Keep away games involve teams trying to keep or gain possession of the puck. They help players be creative while practicing fundamentals. Games can be modified ...
  5. [5]
    How to Play Monkey in the Middle | Official Game Rules
    Monkey in the Middle is a classic playground game where two players toss a ball back and forth while a third player, the “monkey,” tries to intercept it.Missing: definition | Show results with:definition
  6. [6]
    monkey in the middle, n. meanings, etymology and more
    The earliest known use of the phrase monkey in the middle is in the 1950s. OED's earliest evidence for monkey in the middle is from 1952, in Belleville (New ...
  7. [7]
    "The Medicine Ball Game Is Resumed" by Clifford Kennedy Berryman
    President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Pat Harrison, and Marriner Eccles in gym clothes playing keep-away with a ball labeled Economy.
  8. [8]
    [PDF] Integration of English and physical education for sixth ... - OpenBU
    in Ed., Boston University, 1950). Submitted ... Physical Education in Primitive Society ... Keep Away This game is organized into three teams, The teams.<|separator|>
  9. [9]
    [PDF] The history of the development of elementary school physical ...
    "It's Basic!" Sheet given to classroom teachers by elementary school physical education staff in the early 1950's. ... Keep Away. Volley Ball. Relays. Circle ...
  10. [10]
    [PDF] OCTOPUS TAG One child is chosen to be the octopus. The others ...
    The object of the game is to play keep away from the two people in the middle. Players on the outer circle can toss the towels in the air across the circle ...
  11. [11]
    Keep Away - Playfit Education
    The circle players attempt to toss the ball around or through the circle without the center player touching it. The player in the center tries to get out of the ...
  12. [12]
    [PDF] Playworks-Game-Guide.pdf
    ▫ For the lower skill levels, begin the keep-away game with only one or two players, rotating them periodically. ▫ As the players become more comfortable ...
  13. [13]
    [PDF] PreK FAMILY - Mississippi Department of Education
    Three or more players can play. One player (the monkey) is between two players or in the middle of a circle of players. The object is tossed over the “monkey” ...
  14. [14]
    Keep Away - Physical Education Activity - PedagoNet
    One team tries to keep the ball away from the other team. A point is scored each time a pass is completed from one player to another. Variations :Missing: objective | Show results with:objective
  15. [15]
  16. [16]
    [PDF] Keep Away
    Keep Away is a soccer drill where one team keeps the ball from a smaller team in an enclosed area, with no goals used.Missing: objective | Show results with:objective
  17. [17]
    Ultimate Keep Away | Fit Kids Healthy Kids - Sport Manitoba
    Objective: Try to keep the frisbee away from the other team! Keep the passing streak going as long as you can! Game Rules: This game works best with about 2 ...Missing: definition | Show results with:definition
  18. [18]
    3 zone, 6v3 Keep Away - Soccer Drive
    Set Up: In either end zone, one team plays keep away from three opposing players as the other three wait in the opposite end zone. The attacking team scores ...Missing: variations | Show results with:variations
  19. [19]
    [PDF] 44 Small-side games - City SC
    Small-Sided Soccer. Two teams play 3 v 3 in a grid with end zones. Each team has a target player in the end zones. Teams play keep-away for eight three minute.
  20. [20]
    3v1 Rotating Defenders - SoccerXpert
    This 3v1 game will focus on keeping possession in a tight space. Work on passing, decision making, movement on and off the ball as well as improve communication ...
  21. [21]
    'pig in the middle': meanings and origin - word histories
    Apr 17, 2024 · The British-English phrase pig in the middle, also piggy in the middle, designates: – (literally) a ball game, usually for three players, in which the middle ...
  22. [22]
    Get into Rugby Skills: Piggy in the Middle
    If the ball is intercepted or dropped, a new 'piggy in the middle' is nominated with the activity continuing until all participants have had a turn. Equipment.
  23. [23]
    Not just child's play — Harvard Gazette
    ... Monkey in the Middle. In general, children expended the most energy during tag-type games and games requiring minimal strategy or skill, and the least ...
  24. [24]
    The Importance of Play in Promoting Healthy Child Development ...
    Jan 1, 2007 · Play is essential to development because it contributes to the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being of children and youth.
  25. [25]
    About New Games - New Games: Cooperative Play for All
    Since the early 1970s, proponents of the New Games movement have been using interactive cooperative games to bring diverse groups of people together.
  26. [26]
    [PDF] Play therapy for children with aggressive behavior - UNI ScholarWorks
    This paper reviews play therapy interventions for decreasing aggression in children, including psychoanalytic, cognitive-behavioral, and person-centered ...
  27. [27]
    Keep Away - TV Tropes
    The Keep Away trope as used in popular culture. The game of tossing an object around in a group to keep it away from someone else. Sometimes referred to as ...
  28. [28]
    Blubber Summary and Study Guide - SuperSummary
    On the bus later, Wendy calls Linda “Blubber,” setting off a chain of bullying that involves chanting, playing keep-away, and spitballs. ... Tales of a Fourth ...
  29. [29]
  30. [30]
    [PDF] Recreation Coaching Manual - Cloudfront.net
    Aug 19, 2007 · In the mid to late 1980s and into the 1990s, a number of small-sided game formats were proposed and put in place across. North America for young ...
  31. [31]
    The Benefits of Using Rondos - Cupello
    Sep 11, 2024 · 1. Improves Passing and First Touch · 2. Enhances Decision-Making and Awareness · 3. Develops Positioning and Movement Off the Ball · 4. Promotes ...1. Improves Passing And... · 4. Promotes Teamwork And... · 6. Increases Speed Of Play...
  32. [32]
    Mastering Soccer Rondos: Essential Guide with 6 Rondo Variations
    The term and exercise of 'Rondo' were first coined and credited to Spanish coach Laureano Ruiz in 1957. After joining Barcelona as a coach in 1972, he used it ...Missing: origin | Show results with:origin
  33. [33]
    Basketball Passing Drills for Coaches
    Below you'll find very effective passing drills for basketball coaches to use during practice. But first, let's cover the fundamentals of passing.Steve Nash Passing Series · Pass and Switch Drill · Partner Pass and Pivot Drill
  34. [34]
    Starter Practice Plan 4 - Jr. NBA
    Make it a live 2-on-2 keep away competition. The two offensive players can use any of the four cones., and two defenders attempt to steal the ball. The ...
  35. [35]
    Volleyball (Use balloons to begin) - EDST 440 PEDL
    Oct 17, 2014 · Play for 3 minutes. Keep Away. Grade level: 3rd and up. Equipment: one volleyball or volleyball trainer for every four to five students.
  36. [36]
    [DOC] soccer keep away drill.docx
    - This is a great initial drill to progress into several other passing drills. Total time estimated: - 5-7 minutes for this soccer keep away drill.
  37. [37]
    The rondo: The hallmark of Barça training sessions
    Every session at the Ciutat Esportiva traditionally begins with this exercise, and we've picked some of our favourite moments of the season!
  38. [38]
  39. [39]
    Keep away - Idioms by The Free Dictionary
    1. To maintain a physical separation, as between two or more people or things. Kids, keep away from that beehive! 2. To ...
  40. [40]
    keep, v. meanings, etymology and more - Oxford English Dictionary
    to keep away. 1. transitive. To cause to remain absent or afar; to prevent… 2. intransitive. To remain absent or at a distance; to hold… 3. Nautical ...
  41. [41]
    The Thames Persistently Revisited: Dickens on the edge of water
    Apr 15, 2012 · I have never known what despair was, except in the tone of those words. “I can't keep away from it. I can't forget it. It haunts me day and ...
  42. [42]
    Association Between Apple Consumption and Physician Visits - NIH
    The aphorism, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” originated in Wales, first appearing in a publication in 1866 in a different rhyming format: “Eat an ...