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wide berth

From Wiktionary, the free dictionary
(Redirected from give a wide berth)

English

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Pronunciation

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Noun

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wide berth (plural wide berths)

  1. (nautical) Adequate distance from sea vessels or other objects to ensure safety and maneuverability.
    Steer to port and give the rocks a wide berth.
  2. (idiomatic, by extension) A considerable or comfortable distance from a person or object, especially for safety or deliberate avoidance.
    Our cat always gives the vacuum cleaner a wide berth.
    He's so obnoxious that everyone gives him a wide berth.
    • 1949 November and December, K. Longbottom, “By Goods Train to Gweedore”, in Railway Magazine, page 356:
      One [sheep] was "bagged" but gave the rest of the train a wide berth and appeared only somewhat shaken.

Usage notes

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  • Often used with some form of the verb "to give".

Translations

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References

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