wide berth: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘wide berth’ mean?
The idiom "wide berth" means to keep a safe distance or to avoid getting involved with someone or something. It suggests being cautious and not taking any risks.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "wide of the mark" means to be incorrect or inaccurate in a judgment, estimation, or prediction.
First, let's list the facts about the idiom "wide of the mark" that we know for sure:
The phrase "wide of the mark" is an idiomatic expression.
The meaning of this idiom is to be far off from the intended target or goal.
The idiom "watch out" means to be careful or vigilant, usually in order to avoid danger or potential harm. It is often used as a warning to someone to pay attention to their surroundings and be cautious.
The idiom "tread carefully" means to proceed cautiously or with great care and consideration, especially in a sensitive or delicate situation.
The idiom "tight ship" means to maintain strict control and order in a particular situation or organization.
The idiom "tight ship" is commonly used to describe an individual or organization that runs a well-organized and efficient operation, maintaining strict discipline and order. This concept can be applied to a variety of contexts, including businesses, sports teams, households, and military units.
The idiom "take a long walk on a short pier" means to go away and leave someone alone, usually because they are annoying or unwanted.
"Take a long walk on a short pier" is a familiar idiom in American English that conveys the idea of dismissing or rejecting someone. It is a figurative expression that implies telling someone to go away or to leave, often in a rude or dismissive manner.
The idiom "stay the distance" means to last or endure until the end of a challenging or difficult situation or task.
The idiom "stay in one's lane" means to stick to one's area of expertise or responsibility and not to meddle or interfere in areas that are outside of one's knowledge or authority.
The idiom "stand from under" means to get out of the way or to move aside in order to avoid being hurt or affected by a situation, often a dangerous or unpredictable one.
The idiom "stand from under" dates back to the 16th century and is a phrasal verb, consisting of a verb followed by a preposition or adverb. Its primary meaning is to move away from a dangerous or potentially harmful situation.
The idiom "sail close to the wind" means to behave in a risky or dangerous way, pushing the limits of what is acceptable or legal.
The idiom "not touch something with a ten-foot pole" means to avoid or refuse to be involved with something or someone due to its negative or dangerous nature. It implies a strong aversion or caution towards the subject at hand.
Decoding Personal Space
The idiom "wide berth" is a common English expression that dates back to the 17th century. It is derived from the nautical term "berth," which refers to a designated space or distance for a vessel to anchor or dock. In the context of the idiom, a "wide berth" means to keep a significant distance or avoid contact with something or someone.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the idiom can be found in Sir Walter Scott's novel "Redgauntlet" published in 1824. This example demonstrates the use of the phrase as a cautionary instruction to maintain distance. Throughout the years, the idiom has been widely used in various contexts and has become ingrained in the English language.
The origin of the idiom can be traced back to the seafaring practices of the past. In maritime navigation, maintaining a safe distance between vessels was crucial to avoid collisions or accidents. To accomplish this, sailors would give each other a "wide berth" by intentionally keeping a significant distance, particularly when maneuvering in tight spaces or crowded waters.
The concept of intentionally keeping distance was later metaphorically applied to non-nautical situations, broadening the usage of the idiom beyond the maritime domain. The idiom "wide berth" retains its original meaning of maintaining distance in modern usage. It can be used figuratively to caution against approaching certain people, topics, or situations.
If someone advises you to give a particular individual a "wide berth," they are suggesting that you should stay away from that person entirely or limit your interaction with them. This advice can be considered similar to the idiom "not touch something with a barge pole," which means to avoid something completely or have no desire to be associated with it.
In both idioms, the focus is on maintaining distance and avoiding contact. The idiom "wide berth" conveys a sense of caution and wariness, while "not touch something with a barge pole" implies a strong aversion or disinterest.
The idiom "wide berth" can also be related to the phrase "keep off the streets." When someone advises you to keep off the streets, they are warning you to stay away from dangerous or volatile situations. This advice echoes the notion of keeping distance and avoiding potential harm or trouble.
Similarly, the idiom "wide berth" can be connected to the expression "at bay." When you keep something or someone at bay, you are maintaining a safe distance to prevent them from getting closer or causing harm. This can be seen as a parallel to the concept of giving a wide berth, where the emphasis is on creating distance to avoid negative or undesirable outcomes.
The idiom "wide berth" has its origins in maritime navigation but has since expanded to encompass a broader meaning of maintaining distance or avoiding contact. It can be used figuratively to caution against approaching certain people, topics, or situations. Related idioms, such as "not touch something with a barge pole" and "keep off the streets," further emphasize the importance of distance and caution in various contexts. The enduring usage of the idiom demonstrates its relevance and impact in the English language.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *wide berth* can be used in a sentence:
- He always gives his annoying co-worker a wide berth to avoid any unnecessary conflicts.
- After hearing about the contagious illness spreading in town, she decided to give public gatherings a wide berth.
- In order to prevent accidents, cars were advised to give the construction site a wide berth.
More "Nautical" idioms
