keep (one's) distance
keep (one's) distance
1. To maintain physical distance between oneself and someone or something. Keep your distance, everyone. There is a downed wire here. He better keep his distance from that bear.
2. To limit engagement or association (or the appearance thereof) between oneself and someone or something. Politicians have been quick to keep their distance from the senator ever since news of her scandal broke.
See also: distance, keep
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
keep one's distance (from someone or something)
Fig. to maintain a respectful or cautious distance from someone or something. Keep your distance from John. He's in a bad mood. Keep your distance from the fire.
See also: distance, keep
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
keep one's distance
Stay away; also, remain emotionally remote. For example, It's wise to keep one's distance from any wild animal, or Since the family argued with him, Harry's been keeping his distance. [Late 1500s]
See also: distance, keep
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
keep your ˈdistance (from somebody/something)
,keep somebody/something at a ˈdistance
not be too friendly or familiar with somebody/something: She tends to keep her distance from her neighbours, so none of them know her very well.See also: distance, keep
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
- keep distance
- keep one's distance
- keep your distance
- keep (one's) distance from (someone or something)
- put some distance between
- put some distance between (someone or something)
- put some distance between someone and someone/something
- hold at
- pace (something) out
- pace out