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wide berth. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
wide berth, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
wide berth in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
wide berth you have here. The definition of the word
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English
Pronunciation
Noun
wide berth (plural wide berths)
- (nautical) Adequate distance from sea vessels or other objects to ensure safety and maneuverability.
Steer to port and give the rocks a wide berth.
- (idiomatic, by extension) A considerable or comfortable distance from a person or object, especially for safety or deliberate avoidance.
Our cat always gives the vacuum cleaner a wide berth.
He's so obnoxious that everyone gives him a wide berth.
1949 November and December, K. Longbottom, “By Goods Train to Gweedore”, in Railway Magazine, page 356:One [sheep] was "bagged" but gave the rest of the train a wide berth and appeared only somewhat shaken.
Usage notes
- Often used with some form of the verb "to give".
Translations
nautical: adequate distance from other objects
considerable or comfortable distance from a person or object
References