steer clear of

Related to steer clear of: so much for, worse for wear, give a shot, be damned, no less

steer clear of (someone or something)

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 of it if you want to be on time.
See also: clear, of, steer
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

steer clear of

Stay away from, avoid, as in Dad warned us to steer clear of Dr. Smith and his poor advice. This idiom alludes to guiding a vessel away from some obstacle. Its figurative use was first recorded in 1723.
See also: clear, of, steer
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

steer clear of

take care to avoid or keep away from.
2002 ChartAttack Live Reviews If you're looking for Hollywood gloss and spectacle, steer clear of this film.
See also: clear, of, steer
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

steer clear of

To stay away from; avoid.
See also: clear, of, steer
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.

steer clear of, to

To avoid. This term comes from its literal use in sailing in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries (Daniel Defoe used it in Colonel Jacque, 1723) and was being used figuratively by the late eighteenth century. George Washington said, in his farewell address (1796), “It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliance with any portion of the foreign world.”
See also: clear, steer
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer
See also:
  • steer clear of (someone or something)
  • steer clear of someone/something
  • steer clear
  • aggro
  • clear (something) with (someone)
  • clear with
  • clear of
  • clear of (something)
  • clear from some place
  • clear (something) from (something)
References in periodicals archive
If Carrithers and Hardy are right, that will be true even if such critics steer clear of sermons and overtly religious works.
Age of Iron: English Renaissance Tropologies of Love and Power
Peter Rabbit's mother tells him to steer clear of Mr.
Dad's excellent adventures
In the meantime, taxpayers outside the Second Circuit must take care to steer clear of this refund trap.
Refund Trap
Easily aroused men and boys had best steer clear of Mississippi--at least if State Sen.
Penal Code
After centuries of being hunted, tigers have also learned to steer clear of human beings as a source of food.
The Cat Comes Back
He advises those who tend to overindulge during the holidays to "steer clear of too much cheer, resist tempting snacks, line up last in buffet lines, talk more and eat less, and make time for exercise." He also suggests that planning ahead by drinking several glasses of water and eating some fruit or vegetables before attending holiday parties can help people cut back on fat and calories.
WHO ORDERED FAT FOR THE HOLIDAYS?
* Hooked on Homophonics: It takes unremitting vigilance to steer clear of the homophone traps: A local columnist says, "Lawyers are pouring through vouchers" - poring.
Quick! Get the number of that iceberg ... and the stupid duck, too!
And the panthers steer clear of orange groves due to the dearth of cover and food--such as hogs and deer--found there.
The panther's last stand: only 70 remain, and they're quickly losing their Florida habitat
In their rush to sign up new deals, however, landlords should steer clear of new hazards that have become common in today's real estate market.
New hazards in commercial leasing
JORDAN McMILLAN last night backed Hamilton to steer clear of relegation - despite the fact he can do nothing to help after a hernia problem forced him to end his loan spell and return to Rangers.
ACCIES BACKED
AN ECHO-backed scheme to help children steer clear of crime has been given its first major donation - pounds 25,000 from the Home Office.
Cash grant to help steer youngsters from crime
If a ceasefire does not present itself, steer clear of any fights--physical or verbal.
The gene pool: my family is going to the beach with some other relatives. My aunt and uncle yell a ton, and my cousins get into first fights. Help!
Assistant Chief Constable David Crompton said: "We've been working hard to warn the region's motorists and criminals to steer clear of vehicle crime with an intensive programme of operations and crime prevention work covering the whole force area.
Police blitz nets hundreds in car crime campaign
Some advice for Simpson: Steer clear of French fries.
Acid reflux
Steer clear of high-interest "consolidation" loans.
WHAT YOU CAN DO IF YOU ARE IN THE RED