keep one's distance
Maintain personal space
To keep one's distance is to stay physically or emotionally apart from someone or something.
The phrase implies deliberate avoidance—maintaining separation for safety, discretion, or self-protection: She kept her distance from the argument.
The hikers kept their distance from the bear.
It can suggest coolness or wariness in relationships: He's friendly enough, but I keep my distance.
- spaceUnoccupied area or interval
- evasionAct of escaping detection
- aloofnessEmotional unavailability, standoffishness
- indifferenceLack of interest
- formalityStrict observance of convention
steer clear · wide berth · back off · decorum · guardedness · boundary · caution · prudence · arm's length · avoidance · hold back · hands off · estrangement · proximity · stay away · detachment · personal space · self-preservation
keep one's distancewarm up to
Gradually become fond of
open up · befriend · embrace · connect · let someone in
keep one's distanceget involved
Enter into activity
engage · dive in · throw oneself into · participate · take part
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