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keep one's nose clean

Verb CEFR C2

Definitions

To stay out of trouble, especially by avoiding unlawful behavior.

idiomatic

Examples

“They tell⟳ us, "Keep⟳ your nose clean⟳ and you'll no doubt⟳ make⟳ a parole." So we keep⟳ our noses very clean⟳.”
“Alaska Congressman Don Young . . . spent a huge share⟳ of his campaign donations on legal fees to keep⟳ his nose clean⟳ in the face⟳ of an FBI investigation into his dealings.”

CEFR level

C2
Mastery
This word is part of the CEFR C2 vocabulary — mastery level.
See all C2 English words →

See also

keep one's options open keep one's own counsel keep one's pants on keep one's pecker up keep one's powder dry keep one's shirt on

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