Definition of keep away

keep awayphrasal verb

tránh xa

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The expression "keep away" is a command to prevent someone or something from approaching a specific object, area, or person. The origin of this phrase can be traced back to the medieval game of football, also known as "mob football" or "shrovetide football." In this game, which was played in England during the Middle Ages, two opposing teams would try to carry a large ball, made of animal bladders or inflated pig's bladders, to their respective goals. There were no rules, and the game often descended into chaos, with participants causing damage to property and injuring themselves and others. To prevent the opposing team from carrying the ball, players would shout "keep away" and try to intercept the ball or tackle their opponents. The phrase gained popularity during this time and eventually spread to other contexts, such as sports, games, and daily life. Today, "keep away" is commonly used to indicate that an object, place, or person should not be touched, approached, or disturbed. It is often uttered in situations such as during a competition, game, or when someone is resting, recovering or needs privacy.

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Example:
  • The coach instructed the defenders to keep away from the opponent's star player at all costs.

    Huấn luyện viên đã chỉ thị cho các hậu vệ phải tránh xa cầu thủ ngôi sao của đối phương bằng mọi giá.

  • The referee signaled for the ball to be kicked out of bounds and ordered the attackers to keep away from the penalty area.

    Trọng tài ra hiệu đá bóng ra khỏi sân và yêu cầu các cầu thủ tấn công tránh xa khu vực phạt đền.

  • The submarine's captain told the crew to keep away from the shoal as they entered the harbor.

    Thuyền trưởng tàu ngầm đã yêu cầu thủy thủ đoàn tránh xa bãi cạn khi họ tiến vào cảng.

  • The firefighters advised the civilians to keep away from the area surrounding the blaze.

    Lực lượng cứu hỏa khuyên người dân tránh xa khu vực xung quanh đám cháy.

  • The zookeepers recommended that the visitors keep away from feeding the animals, as this could create dangerous situations.

    Người trông coi sở thú khuyến cáo du khách không nên cho động vật ăn vì điều này có thể gây ra những tình huống nguy hiểm.

  • The stand-in skipper instructed the sailors to keep away from the hazardous currents in the channel.

    Người thuyền trưởng thay thế đã hướng dẫn các thủy thủ tránh xa dòng nước nguy hiểm trong kênh.

  • The parents persuaded their children to keep away from the construction site as it was deemed unsafe.

    Các bậc phụ huynh đã thuyết phục con mình tránh xa công trường xây dựng vì nơi này được coi là không an toàn.

  • The lifeguard urged the swimmers to keep away from the area with strong undercurrents.

    Người cứu hộ khuyên người bơi tránh xa khu vực có dòng nước chảy mạnh.

  • The butler advised the party guests to keep away from the grand piano as it was extremely fragile.

    Người quản gia khuyên khách dự tiệc tránh xa cây đại dương cầm vì nó cực kỳ dễ vỡ.

  • The teacher encouraged the students to keep away from the stairs during recess, as they were being repaired.

    Giáo viên khuyến khích học sinh tránh xa cầu thang trong giờ ra chơi vì chúng đang được sửa chữa.

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