keep away
Maintain distance from something
Literalmente: Keep (stay/remain) away (at a distance)
Em 15 segundos
- Use it to maintain a safe distance from something.
- Works for physical objects and abstract ideas like trouble.
- Often used as a warning or a personal rule.
Significado
This phrase is used to tell someone or something to stay at a distance for safety or privacy. It is like putting up an invisible wall between you and something else.
Exemplos-chave
3 de 6Warning a child near a stove
Please keep away from the stove; it is very hot!
Please stay at a distance from the stove; it is very hot!
Talking about health habits
I try to keep away from junk food during the week.
I try to avoid junk food during the week.
A formal warning sign
Keep away from the edge of the platform.
Stay away from the edge of the platform.
Contexto cultural
In the US, 'Keep Away' is a very common sign on private property. It reflects a strong cultural value on individual land rights and privacy. British safety signs often use 'Keep Clear' instead of 'Keep Away' for doorways or emergency exits, though 'Keep Away' is still used for danger. Due to the dangerous wildlife, 'Keep Away' is a vital part of childhood education regarding snakes, spiders, and jellyfish. In Japan, social 'keeping away' is often expressed through subtle non-verbal cues rather than direct commands, as directness can be seen as rude.
Safety First
When you see this on a label, it's a serious warning. Always follow it!
Social Rudeness
Telling a person to 'keep away' is very blunt. Use it only if you are truly angry or feel unsafe.
Em 15 segundos
- Use it to maintain a safe distance from something.
- Works for physical objects and abstract ideas like trouble.
- Often used as a warning or a personal rule.
What It Means
Keep away is all about distance. It means you are staying far from something. Or, you are telling someone else not to get close. It is simple but very powerful. Think of it as a protective bubble. You use it when something is dangerous. You also use it for things you just don't want to touch.
How To Use It
You can use it as a command: Keep away! This is a warning. You can also use it to describe a habit. For example, I keep away from sugar. It works for physical objects like fire. It also works for abstract things like trouble or drama. If you add from, you can name the specific thing you are avoiding.
When To Use It
Use it when you see a 'Wet Floor' sign at a mall. Use it when your friend has a cold and you don't want to get sick. It is perfect for professional settings too. You might keep away from a sensitive topic in a meeting. In texting, use it to warn a friend about a bad restaurant or a spoiler for a movie. It is a very versatile tool for your English kit.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if you want to be very polite or soft. If a friend is sitting too close, saying keep away sounds very harsh. It might hurt their feelings! In that case, try 'could you give me a little space?' instead. Also, don't use it for things you like. You wouldn't keep away from a pile of free money, right? Use it only for things that are negative or risky.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, personal space is a big deal. Keep away is a linguistic way of defending that space. It is often seen on signs like Keep Away: Private Property. It reflects a culture that values safety and individual boundaries. It is also a classic 'parent phrase.' You will hear English-speaking parents say this to kids near a hot stove or a grumpy dog.
Common Variations
You might hear Stay away, which is almost the same but feels a bit more permanent. Keep back is often used by police or at concerts for physical crowds. Keep your distance is a more formal, slightly colder version. If you want to be funny, you can say Keep your paws off! when someone tries to steal your fries. All of these belong to the same family of 'distance' phrases.
Notas de uso
The phrase is neutral but can become a strong command depending on your tone. Always remember the 'from' preposition when specifying the object of avoidance.
Safety First
When you see this on a label, it's a serious warning. Always follow it!
Social Rudeness
Telling a person to 'keep away' is very blunt. Use it only if you are truly angry or feel unsafe.
Transitive Use
Remember: Keep [Object] Away. 'I keep the cat away.' This is a great way to sound more natural.
Personal Space
In English-speaking countries, 'keep away' is a common way to define your personal space bubble.
Exemplos
6Please keep away from the stove; it is very hot!
Please stay at a distance from the stove; it is very hot!
A standard safety warning used by parents.
I try to keep away from junk food during the week.
I try to avoid junk food during the week.
Using the phrase for an abstract habit.
Keep away from the edge of the platform.
Stay away from the edge of the platform.
Commonly seen in train stations or high places.
You should keep away from him; he's nothing but trouble.
You should stay away from him; he's nothing but trouble.
Giving social advice via text.
Keep away from my pizza, or you'll regret it!
Stay away from my pizza, or you'll regret it!
Using a serious phrase for a funny, low-stakes situation.
I keep away from that neighborhood because it brings back sad memories.
I stay away from that neighborhood because it brings back sad memories.
Expressing emotional avoidance.
Teste-se
Fill in the missing words to complete the safety warning.
Please keep ______ ______ the yellow line on the train platform.
'Keep away from' is the standard way to describe maintaining distance from a safety line.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
A) Keep away the children from the fire. B) Keep the children away from the fire. C) Keep away from children the fire.
When there is an object (the children), it usually goes between 'keep' and 'away'.
Match the phrase to the most appropriate situation.
Situation: You are on a diet and see a box of donuts.
You are avoiding the donuts for health reasons, so 'keep away' is the best fit.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Why didn't you come to the party? B: I heard my ex was going to be there, so I decided to ______ ______.
The speaker is avoiding a person/event, which is a perfect use for 'keep away'.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Keep Away vs. Keep Out
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosPlease keep ______ ______ the yellow line on the train platform.
'Keep away from' is the standard way to describe maintaining distance from a safety line.
A) Keep away the children from the fire. B) Keep the children away from the fire. C) Keep away from children the fire.
When there is an object (the children), it usually goes between 'keep' and 'away'.
Situation: You are on a diet and see a box of donuts.
You are avoiding the donuts for health reasons, so 'keep away' is the best fit.
A: Why didn't you come to the party? B: I heard my ex was going to be there, so I decided to ______ ______.
The speaker is avoiding a person/event, which is a perfect use for 'keep away'.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasThey are very similar. 'Keep away' implies an active effort to maintain distance, while 'stay away' is more about the state of not being near.
Yes, but it is very direct and can be rude. It's better to say 'I need some space' unless you are trying to be very firm.
It refers to a children's game where people pass an object to keep it from one person.
It is always 'keep away from'. Using 'of' is a common mistake.
You can use 'maintain a safe distance' or 'avoid proximity.'
It's more natural to say 'Keep your hands away.'
Yes, usually regarding keeping unauthorized people away from data or keeping away from risky investments.
The past tense is 'kept away.' Example: 'I kept away from the edge.'
No. 'Ignore' means not paying attention. 'Keep away' means maintaining physical or social distance.
Yes, many songs use it to talk about avoiding heartbreak or bad people.
Frases relacionadas
stay away
synonymTo not go near something.
keep out
similarDo not enter.
steer clear
idiomaticTo avoid something dangerous or unpleasant.
keep back
similarTo maintain a distance behind a line.
ward off
specialized formTo prevent something (like an illness or evil) from affecting you.
