Grammar fix
steer clear of the subject
avoid a difficult subject
To deliberately avoid discussing a subject that may cause discomfort or disagreement.
How oftenNow and then
LevelC1
Used inSpeech & writing
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
The interviewer steered clear of the subject of his private life.
When I meet new people, I tend to steer clear of subjects like salary and religion until I know them better.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: We steered clearly from the subject.
Say: We steered clear of the subject.
The fixed phrase is 'steer clear of', not 'steer clearly from'.
Don't confuse it
Other ways to say it
Avoid talking about a topic
How casualCasualNeutral
let's not go thereSignal that a subject would be awkward or unwelcome.keep offMainly British: avoid a topic, e.g. 'We kept off politics.'
steer clear of the subjectYou're here · Avoid discussing something likely to cause discomfort or disagreement.