Keep your nose clean

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Meaning

Stay out of trouble or vice, all clear.

Origin

From 19th-century Britain, tied to slang; 'nose clean' for good, by 1870s in a tale for straight. A 1880s 'Punch' uses it for a lad.

Variants

  • Nose clean

Usage Examples

  • Keep your nose clean; no fights.
  • He kept his nose clean; good boy.
  • Nose clean; stay out of it.

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