- To stay out of trouble, avoid illegal or dishonest activities, and maintain a good reputation.
Explanation
Origin
The origin is uncertain, but several theories exist.
- One suggests it relates to keeping one's nose literally clean, implying hygiene and by extension, moral cleanliness or uprightness.
- Another theory links it to boxing or fighting: keeping your nose 'clean' means avoiding getting hit (getting into fights/trouble).
- A third relates to keeping your nose out of other people's business, thereby avoiding conflict.
Regardless, it clearly means avoiding trouble and behaving properly. Used since the early 20th century.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Stay legit. (Stay legal/honest)
- Keep it real (Can sometimes imply staying honest/true, though has broader meanings)
- Fly straight. (Avoid criminal activity)
More Formal:
- Maintain an impeccable record.
- Conduct oneself lawfully and ethically.
- Avoid any impropriety.
Situational Appropriateness
- Generally informal to semi-formal. Common advice from parents, mentors, or authority figures (like police). Might sound a bit condescending in some professional peer contexts unless there's a specific reason (e.g., history of issues).
Misunderstanding Warnings
- The literal meaning is unlikely to cause confusion in context. Ensure learners understand it refers to behavior and avoiding trouble, not literal hygiene or avoiding dirt.
Examples
- After getting out of prison, he was determined to keep his nose clean.
- My parents always told me to keep my nose clean and stay away from bad influences.
- If you want to get that promotion, you need to keep your nose clean.
Dialogue
Police Officer: Okay, we're letting you go with a warning this time.
Teenager: Thank you, officer.
Police Officer: Just make sure you keep your nose clean from now on. Stay out of trouble.
Teenager: Yes, sir. I will.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet (advice): To all the young folks starting out: work hard, be honest, keep your nose clean. Success will follow. #lifelessons #careeradvice
- Forum Post (personal update): Been out for 6 months now, just focusing on work and family, trying to keep my nose clean.
- Movie Quote Shared: 'Just try to keep your nose clean, kid.' Classic advice.
Response Patterns
- Don't worry, I will.
- Of course.
- I always do.
- Good advice.
- Trying my best!
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After being told to keep one's nose clean:
- The person might reassure the speaker of their intentions.
- They might ask for clarification if they don't understand why the advice is being given: Why do you say that? Is there something I should know?
Conversation Starter
- No. Typically advice or a command.
Intonation
- Stress on keep, nose, and clean. KEEP your NOSE CLEAN.
- Often said as advice or a warning, sometimes sternly.
Generation Differences
- Widely understood, perhaps slightly more used by older generations when giving advice, but still common.
Regional Variations
- Common across all major English-speaking regions.