Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word
keep one's nose clean. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
keep one's nose clean, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
keep one's nose clean in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
keep one's nose clean you have here. The definition of the word
keep one's nose clean will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
keep one's nose clean, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Pronunciation
Verb
keep one's nose clean (third-person singular simple present keeps one's nose clean, present participle keeping one's nose clean, simple past and past participle kept one's nose clean)
- (idiomatic) To stay out of trouble, especially by avoiding unlawful behavior.
1947, American Correctional Association, American Journal of Correction, page 6:They tell us, "Keep your nose clean and you'll no doubt make a parole." So we keep our noses very clean.
2008 November 5, Nathan Thornburgh, “Ted Stevens Sins, and (Likely) Wins”, in Time, retrieved 25 August 2013:Alaska Congressman Don Young . . . spent a huge share of his campaign donations on legal fees to keep his nose clean in the face of an FBI investigation into his dealings.