steer
1[ steer ]
/ stɪər /
verb (used with object)
to guide the course of (something in motion) by a rudder, helm, wheel, etc.: to steer a bicycle.
to follow or pursue (a particular course).
to direct the course of; guide: I can steer you to the best restaurant in town.
verb (used without object)
noun
Informal. a suggestion about a course of action; tip: He got a good steer about finding the right job.
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Nearby words
Idioms
steer clear of, to stay away from purposely; avoid: She steered clear of any deep emotional involvements.
Origin of steer
1before 900; Middle English steren, Old English stēoran, akin to stēor steering, guidance; cognate with German steuern, Old Norse stȳra, Gothic stiurjan
Related forms
steer·a·ble, adjectivesteer·a·bil·i·ty, nounun·steer·a·ble, adjectiveDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
British Dictionary definitions for steer clear of (1 of 2)
steer
1/ (stɪə) /
verb
noun
mainly US information; guidance (esp in the phrase a bum steer)
Derived Forms
steerable, adjectivesteerer, nounWord Origin for steer
Old English stieran; related to Old Frisian stiūra, Old Norse stӯra, German stevern; see starboard, stern ²
British Dictionary definitions for steer clear of (2 of 2)
steer
2/ (stɪə) /
noun
a castrated male ox or bull; bullock
Word Origin for steer
Old English stēor; related to Old Norse stjōrr, Gothic stiur, Old High German stior, Middle Dutch stēr
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Idioms and Phrases with steer clear of (1 of 2)
steer clear of
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.
Idioms and Phrases with steer clear of (2 of 2)
steer
In addition to the idiom beginning with steer
- steer clear of
also see:
- bum steer
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.