STEERED CLEAR Meaning and
Definition
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The phrase "steered clear" typically represents an idiom used to describe someone's deliberate avoidance or conscious efforts to stay away from someone, something, or a potentially unpleasant situation. It implies a cautious and strategic approach towards actively preventing any contact, involvement, or engagement with a particular person, object, or circumstance.
To "steer" signifies directing or guiding a vehicle or a particular course, whereas "clear" denotes moving away from obstacles or clear of danger. Combining these terms, "steered clear" expresses a figurative act of deliberately navigating oneself away from, or preventing oneself from becoming entangled in, a specific situation or individual.
The phrase is often employed to depict someone's recognition of a harmful or negative influence, prompting them to consciously distance themselves from it. It conveys a sense of prudence, self-preservation, and the exercise of good judgment to prevent potential negative consequences or adverse effects.
Moreover, "steered clear" can also be used metaphorically to depict avoiding involvement in controversial or dangerous situations, thereby indicating a proactive stance towards self-protection. This phrase implies a conscious decision to maintain a safe distance, exercise caution, and steer away from anything that presents potential harm, adversities, or conflicts.
Common Misspellings for STEERED CLEAR
- stere clear
- ateered clear
- zteered clear
- xteered clear
- dteered clear
- eteered clear
- wteered clear
- sreered clear
- sfeered clear
- sgeered clear
- syeered clear
- s6eered clear
- s5eered clear
- stwered clear
- stsered clear
- stdered clear
- strered clear
- st4ered clear
- st3ered clear
- stewred clear
Etymology of STEERED CLEAR
The expression "steered clear" is a metaphorical phrase that originated from nautical terminology. It appeared in the English language around the 16th century.
In sailing, "to steer" means to control the direction of a vessel. The rudder, which is a device located at the stern of a ship, is used to steer or guide the ship's course. When a vessel needs to avoid an obstacle like rocks, reefs, or other ships, the captain or helmsman would steer the ship in a different direction to "clear" or move away from the danger.
The phrase "steered clear" thus derives from this nautical practice. It suggests avoiding or staying away from something or someone that could be harmful or problematic. Over time, this nautical expression extended beyond maritime usage and became a common idiom in everyday language.
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