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Synonyms

steer clear of

Idioms  

  1. Stay away from, avoid, as in Dad warned us to steer clear of Dr. Smith and his poor advice. This idiom alludes to guiding a vessel away from some obstacle. Its figurative use was first recorded in 1723.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

For investors, the signal is becoming increasingly clear: Steer clear of the gray areas.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 3, 2026

As a 2022 feature from Martha Stewart advised to "Steer clear of hot spots and designate a dark, cool, dry space in your kitchen for your collection."

From Salon • Oct. 21, 2023

Steer clear of toxic discussions as best you can and focus on celebration and conviviality.

From New York Times • Dec. 14, 2022

Steer clear of high-calorie cream-based soups, however, if weight loss is your goal.

From Washington Post • Dec. 5, 2022

Steer clear of high-priced novelties and fancy sorts, and begin with only those known to pay well in your region.

From Driven Back to Eden by Roe, Edward Payson

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.