stay clear of

Are you using the idiom stay clear of but not sure about its meaning? Using idioms, which are important elements of spoken and written language, in the right place strengthens your language skills. Examine the meaning of the stay clear of idiom and the situations in which it is 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 Global Spread of English Idioms

As English has become a global language, its idioms have spread far beyond the borders of the UK and USA. For instance, the idiom "beat around the bush" has equivalents in many other languages, such as "tourner autour du pot" in French and "dar vueltas al asunto" in Spanish. Meanwhile, other idioms have been adapted for local contexts, such as the Russian idiom "?? ???? ???????" (ne svoya rubashka), which translates to "not one's own shirt," meaning to be in an uncomfortable or unfamiliar situation.