The idiom give a wide berth means to keep a safe distance from someone or something, usually to avoid danger, trouble, conflict, or unpleasantness.
Origin of Give a Wide Berth: Nautical Maneuvering
The phrase comes directly from 17th-century nautical terminology. In seamanship, a berth refers to the place where a ship is anchored or moored, as well as the room required for a vessel to swing safely at anchor without colliding with reefs, rocks, or other ships.
To “give a wide berth” was a literal instruction for sailors to steer clear of other ships or hazards, allowing ample space for safety. The phrase was documented in maritime contexts by the early 1600s before transitioning into a figurative expression for staying away from difficult people or risky situations by the early 1800s.
Did “Big Bertha” Come from Nautical Berths? It is sometimes claimed that the term “Big Bertha”, often used to describe massive artillery or naval gunships, derived from nautical berths or the space required by large ships. This is a misconception.
The original “Big Bertha” (Dicke Berta) was a famous 420mm German siege howitzer used during World War I. German troops named the massive gun in honor of Bertha Krupp, heiress to the Krupp industrial empire that built the weapon. Allied forces adopted the nickname, and it eventually became popular slang for any oversized machinery or heavy artillery.
Sentence Examples
- “I’d give him a wide berth today. He’s in a terrible mood after the morning meeting.”
- “When driving in heavy snow, it’s best to give snowplows a wide berth on the highway.”
- “Experienced investors tend to give a wide berth to unverified cryptocurrency schemes.”
- “She saw her ex-fiancé across the room and decided to give him a wide berth for the rest of the evening.”
Similar and Related Idioms
- Steer Clear Of: To intentionally avoid a person, place, or situation.
- Keep at Arm’s Length: To maintain distance from someone to avoid getting overly involved or vulnerable.
- Fight Shy Of: To avoid or resist something out of caution or hesitation.
- Keep Your Distance: To remain at a safe physical or emotional distance from someone or something.