Meaning of keep off the streets | Babel Free

Definitions

To inspire or cause (someone) to avoid idleness, unemployment, poverty, or antisocial behavior.

idiomatic, transitive

Examples

“"Dolly Nemeroff said you're a private detective in California." […] "It's an archaic line of work⟳, but it keeps me off the streets."”

“The Prague-born Jelinek, 32, arrived in Toronto this month to become⟳ a principal with the National Ballet of Canada. […] But he'd never have⟳ reached this point⟳ if his single mom, who died when he was 17, hadn't put⟳ him in ballet school to keep⟳ him off the streets.”

“"The kids love⟳ it because they love⟳ computers," said Ms. Hanson, "and I love⟳ it because it helps them with their education while keeping them off the streets."”

“And back then, our parents knew that if they loved and encouraged us, if they kept us off the streets and out of trouble⟳, then we'd be okay.”

CEFR level