World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English DictionariesKeep your nose clean
/kiːp jʊər noʊz kliːn/Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
To stay out of trouble, avoid illegal activities, and behave properly.
"After his release from prison, he promised his family he would keep his nose clean and find a steady job." - 2
To avoid drawing unwanted attention or suspicion from authorities.
"The detective warned the young gang members to keep their nose clean if they didn't want to get arrested."
Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
Originating in 19th-century British and American underworld and colloquial slang, the expression likely derives from the physical notion of staying out of trouble, fights, or illicit substances (such as avoiding cocaine or preventing one's nose from being bloodied in brawls). Over time, it evolved into a standard idiom meaning to stay out of trouble and obey the law.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Keep your nose clean"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Keep your nose clean" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
se tenir à carreau
Transliteration: se tneer ah ka-ro
Script: Se tenir à carreau
"Il doit se tenir à carreau s'il veut éviter les problèmes."
sich anständig verhalten
Transliteration: zikh an-shtan-dikh fer-hal-ten
Script: Sich anständig verhalten
"Er hat geschworen, sich in Zukunft anständig zu verhalten."
rigare dritto
Transliteration: ree-gah-reh dreet-toh
Script: Rigare dritto
"Ti conviene rigare dritto se non vuoi guai."
portarse bien
Transliteration: por-tar-seh byehn
Script: Portarse bien
"El oficial le aconsejó portarse bien durante su libertad condicional."
andar na linha
Transliteration: an-dar nah leen-yah
Script: Andar na linha
"Ele prometeu à mãe que ia andar na linha."
सीधे रास्ते पर चलना
Transliteration: seedhe raaste par chalna
"पुलिस ने उसे मुसीबत से दूर रहने और सीधे रास्ते पर चलने की चेतावनी दी।"
安分守己
Transliteration: ān fèn shǒu jǐ
"出狱后，他决定安分守己，重新做人。"
말썽을 피우지 않다
Transliteration: malsseongeul piuji anda
"그는 경찰에 붙잡힌 이후로 계속 말썽을 피우지 않고 있다."
おとなしくしている
Transliteration: otonashiku shite iru
"彼にはもう二度と問題を起こさず、おとなしくしていてほしい。"
Related Vocabulary Words to Explore
View all English termsA series of continuous, progressive actions or changes that take place slowly and by small degrees over a long period.
A spiral or helical shape, curve, or structure.
An establishment that provides a formal, high-quality dining experience characterized by gourmet food, elegant decor, and attentive table service.
Explore Nuanced Synonyms for "Keep your nose clean"
Discover exact matches, context-specific alternatives, and antonyms with intensity ratings in the VocabDictionary Thesaurus.
Enhance Your Writing & Grammar Precision
Linguistic Origins & Word Stories
View all stories →How Are Palisade Cells Adapted for Photosynthesis (and Why Are They Called 'Palisade')?
Palisade mesophyll cells are column-shaped, densely packed with chloroplasts, and positioned near the leaf's upper surface to maximize light absorption for photosynthesis. Their name comes from the French word for a defensive fence of wooden stakes, referencing their tightly aligned, upright cellular structure.
What is a SLOT SWOT Analysis and How Do You Actually Do One?
A SLOT SWOT analysis is an expanded strategic planning framework that blends personal or organizational 'SLOT' (Strengths, Limitations, Opportunities, Threats) metrics with traditional 'SWOT' dynamics. It provides a granular approach to evaluating internal capabilities against external market realities.