keep at a distance

keep at a distance
A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g., take out the trash.).
transitive verb phrase
1.
A phrase used as a figure of speech or a word that is symbolic in meaning; metaphorical (e.g., carrot, bean).
(figurative)
(to stay aloof from)
a. guardar las distancias con
I keep my mother-in-law at a distance. I don't want her meddling in my business.Guardo las distancias con mi suegra. No quiero que se meta en mis asuntos.
b. evitar
Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. - Nah. I prefer to keep my enemies at a distance.Mantén a tus amigos cerca, pero aún más cerca a tus enemigos. - No. Prefiero evitar a mis enemigos.
a. mantener alejado
I don't like your dog. Please keep him at a distance.No me cae bien tu perro. Manténlo alejado, por favor.
An intransitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and does not require a direct object (e.g., Everybody please stand up.).
intransitive verb phrase
a. mantenerse alejado
Keep at a distance from the edge of the cliff. I don't want you to fall off.Mantente alejado del borde del acantilado. No quiero que te caigas.
b. no acercarse
I warned Ben to keep at a distance from the campfire, but he didn't listen to me.Le advertí a Ben que no se acercara a la fogata, pero no me escuchó.
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