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."
inseparable
keep out of
B1 neutral inseparable transitive
To avoid getting involved in a situation, or to prevent someone from entering or becoming involved in something.
In plain English
To not get involved in something, or to stop someone from getting into a bad situation.
What does "keep out of" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
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."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To remain outside of a space or situation.
Actually means
To not get involved in something, or to stop someone from getting into a bad situation.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "keep out of"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
trouble my business sight way danger argument affairs
How to conjugate "keep out of"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "keep out of" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "keep out of" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "keep out of"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
avoid keep clear of not get involved in stay out of steer clear of
Keep exploring
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