Wide berth - Keep a

Definitions

• avoid
  To keep a safe distance from something or someone, usually because they are dangerous, unpleasant, or to be avoided

• ignore
  To deliberately ignore or avoid interacting with someone or something

Examples of Wide berth - Keep a

• The construction site is still unstable, so it's best to keep a wide berth until the work is completed.

  This idiom is used to mean giving someone or something plenty of space to avoid getting too close or causing a problem. In this example, the construction site is still unstable, so it's important to give it a wide berth until the work is completed to avoid any accidents or injuries.

• I've heard that my ex-girlfriend's new partner can be very jealous, so it's probably a good idea to keep a wide berth until things have settled down.

  This idiom can also be used in social situations, where it's important to avoid causing any unnecessary drama or tension. In this example, the speaker has heard that their ex-girlfriend's new partner can be very jealous, so they're taking a step back and giving them plenty of space to avoid any confrontations.

• The weather isn't looking great today, so I think it's best to keep a wide berth until the storm has passed.

  This idiom can also be used in relation to weather or other natural events. In this example, the speaker is acknowledging that the weather is bad today, so they're giving it a wide berth until the storm has passed to avoid any risks or hazards.

• I've heard that my boss can be quite temperamental, so I try to keep a wide berth and avoid getting on their bad side.

  This idiom is often used in professional situations, where it's important to avoid causing any unnecessary problems or conflicts. In this example, the speaker has heard that their boss can be quite temperamental, so they're trying to give them plenty of space to avoid any negative interactions.

• Sarah tried to avoid Thomas at all costs. She made sure to give him a wide berth whenever they were in the same room.

  In this example, 'wide berth' is being used as an idiom to mean that Sarah is deliberately keeping a safe distance from Thomas. She wants to avoid any confrontation or interaction with him, and is giving him plenty of space to do so. This is commonly used in situations where there is tension or animosity between two people.

• The construction site is still undergoing repairs, so it's best to keep a wide berth until everything is safe and secured.

  In this example, the idiom "wide berth" is being used in the context of physical distance. It implies keeping a clear and ample amount of space between oneself and a potentially dangerous or hazardous situation. In this case, the construction site is posing a risk, and to avoid any accidents or injuries, it is advisable to maintain a wide distance from it until it has been made safe for people to pass by.

• After the heated argument, it's probably best for us to keep a wide berth for a while.

  Here, the idiom is being used metaphorically. "Wide berth" is being employed to indicate a significant distance or separation between two people who have just had a disagreement. It suggests that to avoid any further conflict or hostility, it would be wise to maintain some emotional distance rather than confront each other immediately.

• The bullies in school always give me a wide berth, perhaps because they're scared of me.

  This example shows how the idiom can be reversed in its meaning. Here, "wide berth" intends to imply that the person is feared by others and not the other way around. It can also imply that the person is not to be taken lightly, and others prefer to avoid any unnecessary confrontation with them.

Conclusion

The idiom "wide berth - keep a" is used to convey the idea of maintaining a safe distance from something or someone. It can be used to discourage engaging with a particular person or thing, or to advise against getting involved in a certain activity or situation. It can also be used to ignore or avoid someone or something intentionally.

In everyday conversation, this idiom is often used to caution against potential danger or unpleasantness, or to suggest steering clear of a particular person or situation. It can also be used to describe deliberately avoiding contact or interaction with someone or something.

Overall, the idiom "wide berth - keep a" is used to convey the concept of keeping a safe distance from something or someone, whether for safety reasons or to avoid unwanted interactions.

Origin of "Wide berth - Keep a"

The origin of the idiom "wide berth - keep a" can be traced back to nautical terminology. In sailing, a "berth" refers to the distance between a ship and an object, such as another ship, a dock, or a hazard. "Wide berth" originally referred to providing ample space between one's own ship and other objects to ensure safety and avoid collisions.

Over time, the term "wide berth" was adopted into everyday language to convey the idea of maintaining a safe distance from something or someone. The idiom "wide berth - keep a" has since become a common expression used to caution against potential dangers or to advise avoiding certain people or situations. Its nautical origins continue to influence its usage in modern English, emphasizing the importance of keeping a safe distance for safety and security.