Idioms & Phrases – Choose the option that best explains the meaning in context. Sentence: We should give “a wide berth” to bad characters.

Introduction / Context:
The nautical idiom “give a wide berth” originally meant to leave plenty of space between one ship and another to avoid collision. In everyday English, it means to steer clear of someone or something undesirable or dangerous. Here, “bad characters” suggests people one should avoid rather than debate or publicize.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Expression: “give a wide berth.”
• Target: “bad characters,” implying risk or harm.
• We need a meaning reflecting distance and avoidance.

Concept / Approach:
Modern usage generalizes the maritime sense to social life: keeping a safe distance. The correct answer must therefore capture avoidance, not condemnation, publicity, or mere lack of sympathy. Keeping away is the precise behavioral advice encoded by the idiom.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Substitute: “We should keep away from bad characters.” This preserves intent and matches dictionary definitions.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• give publicity to: Opposite; increases attention.
• publicly condemn: Confrontational, not avoidance.
• not sympathise with: Weak attitude change; no physical/social distance implied.

Common Pitfalls:
Thinking “wide berth” involves criticism. It is primarily about spatial/social distance for safety.

Final Answer:
keep away from