steer clear

steer clear

To avoid (someone or something). Steer clear of the boss today—he's yelling at everyone he sees. The 8:00 train is always late, so steer clear if you want to be on time.
See also: clear, steer
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

steer clear (of someone or something)

to avoid someone or something. John is mad at me, so I've been steering clear of him. Steer clear of that book. It has many errors in it.
See also: clear, steer
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

steer/stay/keep clear (of somebody/something)

avoid somebody/something: I’m trying to lose weight so I have to steer clear of fattening foods. It’s best to stay clear of the bank at lunchtimes as it gets very busy.
See also: clear, keep, stay, steer
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • steer clear of
  • steer clear of (someone or something)
  • steer clear of someone/something
  • aggro
  • clear (something) with (someone)
  • clear with
  • clear of
  • clear of (something)
  • keep clear of
  • clear (something) from (something)
References in periodicals archive
STEER CLEAR: Bolero jackets, short-waisted tops, vertical lines that minimise curves.
DESIGN FOR LIFE
Tourists were advised to check where demonstrations were likely to take place, and steer clear
French fury at work laws
Can we realty steer clear of Charybdis or are we just plain Scylla?
University marketers, heal thyselves: can we really steer clear of Charybdis, or are we just plain Scylla?
Last month, Blackburn was temporarily suspended from Classic Gold after he ripped up an e-mail warning him to steer clear of Sir Cliff Richard's golden oldie tunes.
Party time for DJ Tony
Those wanting to avoid the haze that may settle over the venue would be advised to steer clear, or they may return home a little more jolly than they expected.
Birmingham Post Comment: Summer haze
RED RIDING HOOD may want to steer clear of a Warwickshire country park next week when it plays host to a family of wolves.
Chance to see a family of wolves
Gaming fans itching to work out their thumbs should steer clear. Also, those with light computing needs can do better with cheaper alternatives.
Hewlett Packard H2200 IPAQ pocket PC
But teachers have been known to steer clear of the beautiful state.
New Mexico finally enchants teachers
"One of the things that makes this newsletter unique," says McConnell, "is its ability to steer clear of using testimonials and promoting bank products.
Award reflects on client and agency
Not content with passing typical comments at the "young fillies" (his words) who work on the show, the disgusting oaf also ordered the manicurist to steer clear of the nail on his little finger, as he uses it to scoop out his nostrils.
Muttley: Pick us a winner, Big Mac!
Now that Robinson is graduating, which card is best to help her steer clear of debt?
Debit or credit? Knowing the benefits of each card can help you manage money better
And steer clear of chlorine bleach, yellow soap, cleaning fluids and solvents.
Washday for Alice
* Red ingredient labels and steer clear of foods containing hydrogenated oils.
Nutrition hotline: this nutrition hotline concerns trans fats, including their impact on cholesterol levels, their place on nutrition labels, and steps you can take to lower your trans fats consumption
A new recording-industry policy guide about copyrighted material aims to help companies steer clear of problems.
Copyright issues. (Quick Bytes)
(1) A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Human Services interviewed by The New York Times denied that grant applications are screened for politically controversial topics, but an official at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) said that NIH project officers advise researchers to steer clear of using "sensitive language." While this practice is not new for NIH, the official added, it has been followed much more strictly under the Bush administration than it was previously.
Newspeak 2003. (FYI)