give a wide berth to (someone or something)

1. To maintain a good distance from someone or something. Originally referred to ships. Once I learned that there was a lice outbreak, I gave a wide berth to all of my students for the rest of the day. We've been giving a wide berth to John ever since he dumped our good friend. I'm sorry, but I have to give your a wide berth to your dog. I'm really scared of dogs.

2. By extension, to avoid interacting or dealing with someone or something. The government has given a wide berth to the cyber security company ever since its data breach became public knowledge. I would give a wide berth to anyone who claims to have some sort of miracle cure not supported by scientific evidence. You can't pass these controversial policies and then try to give a wide berth to them in your re-election campaign!

give a wide berth to, to

To avoid. This term, which in the eighteenth century literally meant to give a ship plenty of room to swing at anchor, was transferred to other objects of avoidance and soon became a cliché. “I recommend you to keep a wide berth of me, sir,” wrote Thackeray (The Newcomes, 1854).