stay clear of

Idioms are generally defined as groups of words that form a meaningful whole when they come together, even though the words in them do not make sense on their own. They have produced many idioms according to their own cultural characteristics in communities using the English language. What does stay clear of mean? In what situations is stay clear of used?

Meaning of "stay clear of"

Meaning

The idiom "stay clear of" is an expression used to describe avoiding something. It can be used to refer to a person, place, thing, or situation, and suggests not having any contact with it. It is similar to the phrase “keep away from” but it has a more specific connotation.

Etymology

The phrase “stay clear of” originated in the mid-1700s and is derived from the verb “clear,” which originally meant “to make or become clear” as in free from obstruction. In this case, the phrase means to remove oneself from potential danger or obstruction. It is associated with the phrase “to steer clear of” which is an even older phrase and suggests an even greater level of caution.

Usage

The idiom “stay clear of” is typically used to warn someone to avoid a person, place, or thing. It is used to indicate that there is danger or potential trouble associated with the thing being warned against. It can also be used to suggest that someone should distance themselves from something because it could be damaging to them. It is often used in a parental or authoritative capacity, to protect someone from a potentially harmful situation or person.

Example Sentences

• You should stay clear of that neighborhood if you don't want to get in trouble.
• I heard she's been getting into a lot of trouble lately, so you should stay clear of her.
• My parents always told me to stay clear of drugs and alcohol.
• I know he's been drinking a lot lately, so it would be best to stay clear of him.

The power of idioms transcends languages!

"Putting the cart before the horse" is an English idiom that means doing things in the wrong order. In Russian, the similar idiom is "Кладёт колесо впереди лошади," which translates to "Putting the cart before the horse." This idiom emphasizes the idea that doing things in the wrong order can lead to confusion and problems down the line.