Give somebody/something a wide berth
phrase
To purposefully avoid someone or something.
He is very sick, so I am giving him a wide berth.
Often appears as...
- give a wide berth to someone sick
- give a wide berth to a problem
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To leave a lot of space when passing by something.
The car was parked badly, so I had to give it a wide berth.
Often appears as...
- give a wide berth to a badly parked car
- give a wide berth to a large object
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To purposefully avoid someone or something.
He is very sick, so I am giving him a wide berth.
Often appears as...
- give a wide berth to someone sick
- give a wide berth to a problem
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To leave a lot of space when passing by something.
The car was parked badly, so I had to give it a wide berth.
Often appears as...
- give a wide berth to a badly parked car
- give a wide berth to a large object
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Social Distance
Indicates keeping social space due to discomfort or caution around someone.
After the argument, Jim decided to give Bob a wide berth at work.
Pro Tip 2/3Avoid Conflicts
Used to avoid engaging with problematic individuals or situations.
She's known for stirring drama, so it's best to give her a wide berth.
Pro Tip 3/3Subtle Caution
Expresses a careful approach without causing alarm or offense.
Noticing his bad mood, his coworkers gave him a wide berth.
Pro Tip 1/3Social Distance
Indicates keeping social space due to discomfort or caution around someone.
After the argument, Jim decided to give Bob a wide berth at work.
Pro Tip 2/3Avoid Conflicts
Used to avoid engaging with problematic individuals or situations.
She's known for stirring drama, so it's best to give her a wide berth.
Pro Tip 3/3Subtle Caution
Expresses a careful approach without causing alarm or offense.
Noticing his bad mood, his coworkers gave him a wide berth.
Pro Tip 1/3Social Distance
Indicates keeping social space due to discomfort or caution around someone.
After the argument, Jim decided to give Bob a wide berth at work.
Pro Tip 2/3Avoid Conflicts
Used to avoid engaging with problematic individuals or situations.
She's known for stirring drama, so it's best to give her a wide berth.
Pro Tip 3/3Subtle Caution
Expresses a careful approach without causing alarm or offense.
Noticing his bad mood, his coworkers gave him a wide berth.
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