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keep off

A2 neutral separable both
In simple words

To not go on something, not touch it, or to avoid a subject.

Literal meaning: To remain not on top of a surface.

Meanings

1 A2 neutral

To not step on or go onto an area.

"The sign on the lawn clearly said 'Keep off the grass'."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 idiomatic neutral

To avoid a subject or topic in conversation.

"Everyone knew to keep off the subject of his divorce — it was still too painful."

Grammar: inseparable
3 B1 neutral

To stop consuming or using something habitually.

"The doctor told him to keep off alcohol for at least three months."

Grammar: inseparable
4 B2 neutral

(Of weather) to not start; to stay away.

"We were lucky — the rain kept off until after the ceremony was over."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Very commonly seen on signs ('Keep off the grass'). Also used to mean avoiding a topic of conversation, or stopping consuming something (e.g. alcohol, cigarettes). 'Keep the rain off' means to prevent rain from reaching something.

Commonly used with

grass topic subject alcohol cigarettes rain drugs

Forms

Base
keep off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
keeps off
he/she/it
Past simple
kept off
yesterday
Past participle
kept off
have + pp
-ing form
keeping off
continuous

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Synonyms

stay off avoid abstain from not touch steer clear of

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