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keep off — 2 meanings

One phrase, 2 meanings. Learn them one at a time, then test yourself.

phrasal verb2 meanings
keep off
1avoid touching or stepping on2avoid discussing

Meaning 1 · most common

avoid touching or stepping on

  • keep off sth

to not walk on, touch, or go onto something, usually because it is not allowed or could be damaged.

How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

Please keep off the grass so it can grow properly.

A: Why is there a sign here?
B: It says 'Keep off the grass.' They don't want people walking on it.

Common mistake

Not: Keep off from the grass.

Say: Keep off the grass.

'Keep off' + the surface directly — no 'from'.

More on “avoid touching or stepping on”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In my city, there are many parks with signs asking people to keep off certain areas to protect the plants.

Tell it apart

Keep off the grass.

  • don't step on it

Keep away from the edge.

  • don't go near it

Goes with

  • keep off + surface
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Next meaning: avoid discussing

Meaning 2

avoid discussing

  • keep off topic/subject

to deliberately avoid mentioning, discussing, or raising a particular subject, often because it is sensitive, controversial, or inappropriate in the context.

How oftenNow and then
LevelC1
Used inMostly spoken

Examples

Let's keep off the subject of money while we're at dinner.

A: Did you hear about the new policy at work?
B: I'd rather we keep off work talk tonight—let's just relax.

Common mistake

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'.

More on “avoid discussing”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In group discussions, it is often wise to keep off controversial topics if you want to maintain a harmonious atmosphere.

Tell it apart

Let's keep off politics.

  • avoid the topic

Let's keep off the grass.

  • don't step on it

Goes with

  • keep off + topic
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avoid touching or stepping onavoid discussing