Browse all

keep out of

B1 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words

To not get involved in something, or to stop someone from getting into a bad situation.

Literal meaning: To remain outside of a space or situation.

Meanings

1 B1 neutral

To avoid getting involved in a situation, especially an argument or problem.

"The best thing to do is to keep out of their argument — it's nothing to do with you."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 neutral

To prevent someone from entering a place or becoming involved in something.

"She worked hard to keep her kids out of trouble during the school holidays."

Grammar: inseparable
3 A2 idiomatic informal

To not interfere in someone else's personal matters.

"It's none of your concern — keep out of other people's business."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Very commonly used with 'trouble', 'danger', 'arguments', or 'business'. The pattern 'keep out of [someone's] business' is a set phrase meaning to not interfere. Used both as self-advice and as a command to others.

Commonly used with

trouble my business sight way danger argument affairs

Forms

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

Understand "keep out of" better

Try:

Real video examples

Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.

Synonyms

stay out of avoid not get involved in steer clear of keep clear of

Want to master this phrasal verb?

Practice "keep out of" on Looplines