Literally, give a wide berth is a phrase that dates back to the seventeenth century meaning to allow a large space between ships to enable optimum safety and maneuverability. Today, there is also a figurative meaning to the phrase give a wide berth, meaning to steer clear of someone or something, to keep your distance from someone or something, to avoid someone or something. The first use of the phrase give a wide berth in the figurative sense was by Sir Walter Scott in 1829. Related phrases are gives a wide berth, gave a wide berth, giving a wide berth.
Examples
Based on analysis of accident claims figures for 2015, the insurer 1st Central has concluded that the drivers the rest of us would be best advised to give a wide berth to fit none of the stereotypes and are typically middle class, middle aged, professional and – in all likelihood – male. (The Telegraph)
“Motorists really do need to slow down when they are near horses and give a wide berth when overtaking. (The Leicester Mercury)
Since most of the island’s Jewish sites are near Kingston, the strategy of developing the city as a Jewish heritage cultural destination fit the government’s desire to boost tourism in the scruffy, crime- and ganja-ridden capital which most vacationers give a wide berth. (The Jerusalem Post)
Simply give a wide berth to any snakes and enjoy them from a distance, is the park’s advice. (The Akron Beacon Journal)
Once a corner of Kuala Lumpur that taxi drivers gave a wide berth to, it’s since evolved into one of the city’s most desirable and discerning districts. (The Evening Standard)
Police in Baltimore this week gave a wide berth to demonstrators, avoiding the paramilitary tactics used in Ferguson, Missouri, where protests turned violent. (The Grand Forks Herald)