# stay away

CEFR A2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/stay-away
Updated: 2026-10-23

## Definition

to keep your distance from a person, place, or thing.

For teachers: to maintain physical or metaphorical distance from a specific entity; often used as a command or a warning to avoid contact.

## Examples

- You should stay away from the edge of the cliff.
- The doctor told him to stay away from sugary snacks until his health improved.
- Investors were advised to stay away from the volatile market until the political situation stabilized.

## Pitfalls

- Not "Please stay away the wet paint." but "Please stay away from the wet paint." — the preposition 'from' is required when 'stay away' is followed by a noun object.

## Usage notes

- usually followed by the preposition 'from' when an object is mentioned.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'keep away', which is often more forceful or implies a physical barrier; 'stay away' is a common choice for general avoidance advice.

---

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.