/ə'brest; ə`brɛst/
adv
1 ~ (of sb/sth) side by side (with sb/sth) and facing the same way 并列; 并排
*cycling two abreast 两辆自行车并行
* The boat came abreast of us and signalled us to stop. 小船开过来与我们并排, 发出讯号要我们停下.
2 (idm 习语) be/keep abreast of sth be or remain up to date with or well-informed about sth 跟上某事物
*You should read the newspapers to keep abreast of current affairs. 应该看报以便了解时事.

adv
keep/stay abreast of sth
to make sure that you know all the most recent facts or information about a particular subject or situation
　It's important to keep abreast of the latest developments in computers.
walk/ride etc abreast
to walk, ride etc next to each other, all facing the same way
two/three/four etc abreast
(=with two, three, four etc people or vehicles next to each other)
　The planes were flying four abreast.
level with someone or something or in line with them
　As the car drew abreast of him, Jack suddenly recognised the driver.