keep one's hands off

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Thân thiện
Definition

Verb phrase: - To refrain from touching, handling, or interfering with something or someone: The phrase instructs someone to maintain a physical and metaphorical distance, to avoid contact or involvement.

Usage

This phrase is a direct and often forceful instruction or warning. It is used to tell someone not to touch, take, or interfere with something that belongs to you or is under your protection. It can also be used more broadly to advise someone to avoid a person or situation entirely.

Examples

  • Direct Command:

    • That's my lunch in the fridge. Keep your hands off!
    • Keep your hands off the antique vase; it's very fragile.

  • Warning about a Person:

    • I told him to keep his hands off my sister.
    • You should keep your hands off that project; it's not your responsibility.
Advanced Usage
  • "Keep one's hands to oneself": A more general phrase with a similar meaning, often used to instruct children about personal boundaries.
    • The teacher told the students to keep their hands to themselves during the assembly.
Variants and Related Words
  • Hands-off (adj): Characterized by non-interference.
    • The manager has a hands-off approach, trusting her team to work independently.
Synonyms
  • Avoid: To keep away from.
  • Steer clear of: To deliberately avoid something.
  • Refrain from: To stop oneself from doing something.
Related Phrases
  • Keep away from: To maintain distance.
    • Keep away from the edge of the cliff.
  • Leave alone: To not disturb or bother.
    • Leave those papers alone; I'm not finished with them.
Verb
  1. stay clear of, avoid
    • Keep your hands off my wife!
    • Keep your distance from this man--he is dangerous

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