| | | | | |

Steer clear

Definition

Steer Clear.png

“Steer clear” is an idiom that means to avoid someone or something, to keep a safe distance, or to stay away from a particular situation or person. When you hear someone say “steer clear,” they are advising you to be cautious and stay away from potential trouble or harm. The origin of this Idiom comes from nautical language, where “steer” refers to directing a ship or boat in a specific direction. “Clear” in this context means to keep a safe distance from obstacles or hazards in the water. So, when someone says “steer clear,” they are metaphorically telling you to navigate away from potential problems just like a ship would avoid dangerous waters.

Using “steer clear” in conversation can be a friendly warning or a piece of advice to be careful and avoid getting involved in something that could be risky or harmful. It’s a way to suggest that it’s best to keep your distance or stay away from a situation that could lead to trouble. Overall, “steer clear” is a useful idiom to remind someone to be cautious and avoid potential difficulties or dangers.

Example sentences

After the recent outbreak, it’s best to steer clear of crowded places to stay healthy.

The boss seemed in a bad mood today, so I decided to steer clear and avoid any extra work.

During the storm, it’s crucial to steer clear of tall trees to avoid getting struck by lightning.

She always causes trouble at parties, so I make sure to steer clear of her.

I heard that neighborhood has a high crime rate, so it’s best to steer clear if possible.

Famous dialogues

Iconic Movie Lines

Classic Quotes

Cinematic Quotes

Movie Catchphrases

Cinematic Dialogues

Memorable Movie Lines

In essence, “A little learning is a dangerous thing” encourages us to be cautious, humble, and aware of the limitations of our knowledge. It reminds us to strive for a deeper understanding, seek guidance when needed, and never let a small amount of information lead us into making decisions that could have significant consequences.

Starry-eyed

The term "starry-eyed" describes someone who is overly idealistic or naively optimistic, often focusing on dreams and possibilities rather than practical realities. This idealism can adorn one's perspective with a sense of wonder, but it may also overlook important details. Starry-eyed individuals can inspire significant contributions to society by pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo. However, balancing this idealism with a realistic understanding is crucial for channeling their vision into meaningful actions.

Put it on the back burner

"Put it on the back burner" means to temporarily postpone or set aside a task or concern while focusing on more immediate priorities. The phrase originates from cooking, where less urgent ingredients are moved to the rear burner to simmer slowly while others are attended to on the front burner. It implies a deliberate decision to deprioritize something without forgetting about it entirely. By using this metaphorical expression, individuals can manage their time and resources efficiently, addressing urgent needs while still keeping less pressing matters in mind for future attention.

There's no such thing as a free lunch

The phrase "There's no such thing as a free lunch" means that everything has a cost, even if it is not immediately visible. It originated from 19th-century saloons that offered free food to entice customers to buy drinks, highlighting hidden costs. This concept underscores that every benefit or service, even those presented as free, involves some form of expense or trade-off, encouraging critical evaluation of seemingly free offers.

Walk the Talk

The phrase “walk the talk,” is all about living up to what you say and following through on your promises and beliefs. It’s about being genuine and consistent in your actions.

Steer clear

Related articles