a wide berth

wide berth

A good distance (between things, people, etc.). Originally referred to ships. Once I learned that there was a lice outbreak, I kept a wide berth from all of my students for the rest of the day. We've been keeping a wide berth from John ever since he dumped our good friend.
See also: berth, wide
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

a wide berth

Ample space or distance to avoid an unwanted consequence: gave their angry colleague a wide berth.
See also: berth, wide
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • wide berth
  • give a wide berth to (someone or something)
  • give somebody/something a wide berth
  • give someone or something a wide berth
  • give someone/something a wide berth
  • give (someone or something) a wide berth
  • give a wide berth
  • hop, skip, and a jump
  • dandruff
  • mint condition