keep away
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keep away (from someone or something)
1. To maintain a physical separation, as between two or more people or things. Kids, keep away from that beehive!
2. To cause someone or something to keep a physical distance from someone or something else. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "keep" and "away." Keep the kids away from that beehive! Keep Aunt Mildred away from me, will you? She can be such a nag.
3. To avoid something, usually because it is harmful or dangerous. But no cake for Uncle Al—he's supposed to be keeping away from sweets. I think she's finally started keeping away from the cigarettes.
4. To cause someone to fail to do something. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "keep" and "away." We're very disappointed that this storm is keeping us away from our trip.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
keep someone or something away (from someone or something)
to maintain a physical distance between someone or something and someone or something, in any combination. I will try to keep the smokers away from you. Try to keep the dog away from the roast.
keep away
(from someone or something) Go to away (from someone or something).
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
keep away
v.
1. To remain at a distance from something, especially something that should be avoided: You should keep away from fallen electrical wires after storms so that you don't get electrocuted. The dog is in a bad mood, so you should keep away.
2. To cause someone or something to remain at a distance from something: Keep your cat away from my dog! Keep the candy away—I'm on a diet.
3. To refrain from using or doing something, especially something harmful: The doctor said I should keep away from alcohol.
4. To cause someone or something to refrain from doing something: Nothing could keep me away from a quick trip to visit you. I love to ski in the winter, and nothing could keep me away.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs. Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.