# keep one's nose clean

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/keep-ones-nose-clean
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To stay out of trouble, especially by avoiding unlawful behavior.

## Examples

- He tries to keep his nose clean at his new job.
- The judge told the teenager that he must keep his nose clean to avoid going to jail.
- After his release from prison, he was determined to keep his nose clean and build a quiet, honest life for himself.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.