🗓️ Idiom: Keep your nose clean (v)
💬 Meaning
- Avoid getting into trouble, especially with the law or company rules.
- Behave in a way that is honest and doesn’t attract negative attention.
🧠 Example Sentences
- In a heavily regulated industry like finance, it’s essential to keep your nose clean.
- Since the compliance training, all employees have been warned to keep their noses clean.
- He kept his nose clean during the audit to avoid any issues with the regulatory board.
🏛️ Origin
This idiom likely comes from the early 20th century. “Keeping your nose clean” was slang for staying out of trouble, especially avoiding fights or crime. It may come from the idea that someone who avoids dirty situations keeps a “clean” nose—meaning a clean record.
📝 Practice Exercises (HTML)
1. Fill in the blank:
In a regulated company, it’s important to __________ to avoid fines or penalties.
Answer
keep your nose clean
2. Choose the correct meaning of “keep your nose clean”:
A) Be curious about everything
B) Stay out of trouble
C) Have a clean face
Answer
B) Stay out of trouble
3. Change the sentence using “keep your nose clean”:
“He made sure to follow every rule during the compliance check.”
Answer
He made sure to keep his nose clean during the compliance check.
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