PhrasesHub

Keep your nose clean

    Definitions

      • stay out of trouble
        Advise someone to avoid getting into trouble or to behave in a proper and lawful manner

      • avoid gossip or drama
        Encourage someone to stay away from unnecessary drama or conflicts

    Examples of Keep your nose clean

    • Tom's best advice for his younger brother was to "keep your nose clean" and avoid getting involved in any shady deals or activities with unsavory characters.

      This idiom urges someone to stay out of trouble and stay innocent, free from any wrongdoing or negative influences that might get them into hot water. In this case, Tom is warning his brother to steer clear of any questionable situations or relationships that could lead to unwanted complications or consequences. By "keeping your nose clean," you maintain a reputation of honesty and trustworthiness, which can be valuable assets in both personal and professional contexts.

    • Sarah's brother was arrested for drug possession, but she made sure to keep her own nose clean by avoiding any involvement in his activities.

      This use of the idiom "keep your nose clean" means to stay innocent or free from wrongdoing, especially in spite of others around you who may be engaging in questionable or illegal activities.

    • The new CEO insisted that all employees refrain from accepting bribes or engaging in any corrupt practices, reminding them that it was crucial to keep their noses clean.

      This example highlights the importance of maintaining a clean and honest reputation in the workplace, and how leadership can reinforce that value among staff.

    • Despite growing up in a rough neighborhood, Maria always made an effort to keep her nose clean by staying away from gangs and other criminal elements.

      By using the expression "keep your nose clean" in this context, we see how it can be used to stress the importance of making moral choices and avoiding trouble, even in challenging situations.

    • After a series of accidents and mishaps, the construction site was plagued by rumors of unsafe working conditions. The foreman reminded the workers that it was critical to keep their noses clean by following all safety protocols and reporting any hazards or violations.

      This example highlights how the idiom might be used in a work environment to emphasize the importance of safety and following protocol to prevent accidents or violations. The metaphorical "clean nose" in this case represents a spotless safety record or adherence to safety procedures.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "keep your nose clean" is used to advise someone to stay out of trouble and avoid unnecessary drama or conflicts. It is often used to caution someone to behave in a proper and lawful manner, and to discourage them from engaging in activities that may result in negative consequences.

    It can also be used to encourage someone to stay away from gossip or drama, emphasizing the importance of avoiding unnecessary conflicts and maintaining a clean reputation.

    Origin of "Keep your nose clean"

    The origin of the idiom "keep your nose clean" is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in the early 20th century. The phrase "keep one's nose clean" first appeared in print in the 1920s, and it is thought to have derived from the idea of keeping one's face, specifically the nose, clean and free from dirt or trouble.

    The idiom is often associated with the idea of staying out of trouble and avoiding illicit activities, and it has been used in various contexts to advise someone to behave in a proper and lawful manner. Over time, it has become a popular saying to encourage individuals to stay away from gossip, drama, and conflicts, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a clean and respectable reputation.