wide berth

English

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".

References

"wide berth" at www.seatalk.info.
"give a wide berth" in the Dictionary.com Unabridged, v1.0.1, Lexico Publishing Group, 2006.
wide berth at OneLook Dictionary Search

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