wide berth
English
Pronunciation
Audio (AU): (file)
Noun
wide berth (plural wide berths)
- (nautical) Adequate distance from sea vessels or other objects to ensure safety and maneuverability.
- Steer to port and give the rocks a wide berth.
- (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.
Usage notes
- Often used with some form of the verb "to give".
Translations
nautical: adequate distance from other objects
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considerable or comfortable distance from a person or object
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References
- "give sth/sb a wide berth" at dictionary.cambridge.org
- "wide berth" at www.seatalk.info.
- “wide berth”, in OneLook Dictionary Search.