keep one's hands to oneself
Refrain from touching
To keep one's hands to oneself is to refrain from touching others—whether aggressively or sexually.
Parents tell children to keep their hands to themselves when they hit or grab: If you can't keep your hands to yourself, you'll have to sit in timeout.
In adult contexts, the phrase often warns against unwanted sexual contact: He couldn't keep his hands to himself at the party.
- no means noConsent is non-negotiable
- politenessCourteous, respectful conduct
- permissionGranted right to act
- privacyFreedom from observation
- spaceUnoccupied area or interval
bodily autonomy · courtesy · civility · good manners · informed consent · unwanted advances · self-control · back off · keep your distance · restraint · tact · discretion · touching · hands off · decorum · empathy · distance · voluntary action