Phrase guide

wide berth

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

Adequate distance from sea vessels or other objects to ensure safety and maneuverability.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: nautical, transport

Examples

  • Steer to port and give the rocks a wide berth.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

A considerable or comfortable distance from a person or object, especially for safety or deliberate avoidance.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: broadly, idiomatic

Examples

  • Our cat always gives the vacuum cleaner a wide berth.
  • He's so obnoxious that everyone gives him a wide berth.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

8 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: riittävä etäisyys (used with verb pitää) — nautical: adequate distance from other objects
  • Polish: bezpieczna odległość — nautical: adequate distance from other objects
  • Finnish: kaukana (to give a wide berth - pysyä kaukana) — considerable or comfortable distance from a person or object
  • German: gehöriger Abstand — considerable or comfortable distance from a person or object
  • German: sichere Entfernung — considerable or comfortable distance from a person or object
  • German: sichere Distanz — considerable or comfortable distance from a person or object
  • German: großer Bogen — considerable or comfortable distance from a person or object
  • Polish: szeroki łuk — considerable or comfortable distance from a person or object