IdiomNature
English
EnglishTo give a wide berth
Meaning: To keep well away from someone or something.
Example: “I give that barking dog on the corner a wide berth.”
Origin: Nautical; a 'berth' is a ship's safe swinging room, so a wide one keeps vessels clear of danger.
More English idioms
- To pull out all the stops To make every possible effort.
- To have egg on your face To look foolish or embarrassed.
- To jump on the bandwagon To join something only once it becomes popular.
- To bury your head in the sand To refuse to face an obvious danger.
- To bite off more than you can chew To take on more than you can handle.
- Caught between a rock and a hard place Stuck between two equally bad options.
Explore another collection: Compliments & Insults
Compliments and insults from around the world, from the sweet to the savage.
- Tu as du chien You have a certain irresistible magnetism — a je-ne-sais-quoi that draws people in.
- Tu as la tête sur les épaules You're grounded, sensible, and dependable — not easily swept off course.
- Tu as le vent en poupe Everything is going your way — you're riding a wave of momentum and success.
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