keep away

phrasal verb·1 sense·particle away

Meanings

1

Stay at a distance from someone or something

Why “away”? You move away from where you were until you are out of reach.

Keep away from the edge.
Stay at a distance from the edge.
Keep away from the broken glass.
Stay at a distance from the broken glass.

Don't confuse with

keep awaykeep back

Keep away means stay at a distance from someone or something. Keep back means withhold information or feelings.

keep awaykeep off

Keep away means stay at a distance. Keep off means avoid using or touching something.

Test yourself

Keep away from the edge. What does it mean?

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