Meaning trap
keep off
avoid discussing
to deliberately avoid mentioning, discussing, or raising a particular subject, often because it is sensitive, controversial, or inappropriate in the context.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
to deliberately avoid mentioning, discussing, or raising a particular subject, often because it is sensitive, controversial, or inappropriate in the context.
'keep off' also has the more basic meaning 'avoid touching or stepping on'; this is the advanced sense.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
Let's keep off the subject of money while we're at dinner.
In group discussions, it is often wise to keep off controversial topics if you want to maintain a harmonious atmosphere.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: Let's keep off from politics.
Say: Let's keep off politics. / keep off the subject.
In this 'avoid a topic' sense, 'keep off' takes the subject directly — no 'from'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Keep off a topic' is the natural way to avoid a subject; 'refrain from broaching' is very formal.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
keep off + topic
- the subject
- politics
- religion
- that
Don't confuse it
Related
Other meanings and phrases to compare.
- keep off (avoid touching or stepping on) — 'keep off' also has the more basic meaning 'avoid touching or stepping on'; this is the advanced sense.