Wiktionary
n. 1 (context nautical English) Adequate distance from sea vessels or other objects to ensure safety and maneuverability. 2 (context idiomatic by extension English) A considerable or comfortable distance from a person or object, especially for safety or deliberate avoidance.
Usage examples of "wide berth".
His surly manner and ominous strength encouraged us all to give him a wide berth.
The weather was too thick for any observation for some days, so we gave them a wide berth and stood away for Staten Island.
Gaunt, wiry, and no more than a meter and a half tall, Meewalh was nevertheless such an intimidating sight with her leathery skin and wild eyes that even the Big Boom's clientele gave her wide berth.
That seemed to me a good reason for turning back to Cindnnati, and giving Portsmouth a wide berth.
The cattle herders were abandoning their work, giving a wide berth to that one of their number who was lying on the quay.
And, though for the most part calm and calculating, he was given to great gouts of ill temper, during which even those closest to himif that term could be usedkept their mouths shut and gave him a wide berth.
And, though for the most part calm and calculating, he was given to great gouts of ill temper, during which even those closest to him-if that term could be used-kept their mouths shut and gave him a wide berth.
And were he in Aubrey's place, he would give the Waakzaamheid a wide berth.
He walked back along the starboard gangway, watching the few remaining lights of Kutali glide slowly astern, and reaching the quarterdeck he said to the officer of the watch, 'Due north to clear the headland - give it a wide berth, Mr Mowett, I beg - and when we are clear west by south a half west: topsails and jib.