wide berth

English

Pronunciation

  • Audio (General Australian):(file)

Noun

wide berth (plural wide berths)

  1. (nautical) Adequate distance from sea vessels or other objects to ensure safety and maneuverability.
    Steer to port and give the rocks a wide berth.
  2. (idiomatic, by extension) A considerable or comfortable distance from a person or object, especially for safety or deliberate avoidance.
    Our cat always gives the vacuum cleaner a wide berth.
    He's so obnoxious that everyone gives him a wide berth.
    • 1949 November and December, K. Longbottom, “By Goods Train to Gweedore”, in Railway Magazine, page 356:
      One [sheep] was "bagged" but gave the rest of the train a wide berth and appeared only somewhat shaken.
    • 2025 August 13, Jennifer Weiner, “In ‘And Just Like That …’ a Craven Era Took Its Revenge on Youth and Hope and Fun”, in The New York Times‎[1], New York, N.Y.: The New York Times Company, →ISSN, →OCLC:
      Only Samantha escaped with her dignity intact, because she gave the series a wide berth.
      (Can we archive this URL?)

Usage notes

  • Often used with some form of the verb "to give".

Translations

References

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