give (someone or something) a wide berth
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 all of my students a wide berth for the rest of the day. We've been giving John a wide berth ever since he dumped our good friend. I'm sorry, but I have to give your dog a wide berth. I'm really scared of dogs.
2. By extension, to avoid interacting or dealing with someone or something. The government has given the cyber security company a wide berth ever since its data breach became public knowledge. I would give those holistic medicine quacks a wide berth, if I were you. Anyone who claims to have miracle cures not supported by scientific evidence is trying to con you. You can't pass these controversial policies and then try to give them a wide berth in your re-election campaign!
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
give someone or something a wide berth
stay away from someone or something. Berth is a nautical term which originally referred to the distance that ships should keep away from each other or from the shore, rocks, etc., in order to avoid a collision. Therefore, the literal meaning of the expression is ‘steer a ship well clear of something while passing it’.
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017