give a wide berth

Idioms and Phrases

Avoid, as in After Jane told on them, they gave her a wide berth . This expression alludes to giving a vessel enough room to swing at anchor so as to avoid a collision. [Mid-1800s]

Example Sentences

“We embrace a commitment to free expression and give a wide berth to free expression even of views that are objectionable, outrageous and offensive,” Ms. Gay said at the House Education and the Workforce Committee hearing on rising campus antisemitism.

From Washington Times

In medical devices, things are murkier—in encouraging innovation, the legal standards give a wide berth to people trying to develop technologies, with the understanding that sometimes even people trying their best will screw up.

From Slate

Andolfi says that if possible, give a wide berth to those family members who create or trigger conflict.

From Washington Post

You should probably give a wide berth to the Twitter mentions of critics sceptical about Avengers: Endgame.

From The Guardian

When it comes to this newfound fear of serial killers, you can keep reminding him that he’s safe with you, that there are very few of them, and that your neighbor was trying to scare him—which may lead to its own conversation about how to give a wide berth to someone who clearly doesn’t want company.

From Slate

Related Words

• despise
• disdain
• eschew
• neglect
• pass up
• refuse
• reject
• scorn
• snub