keep one's nose clean

phrase

: to avoid trouble especially through good behavior

Word History

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of keep one's nose clean was in 1841

Rhymes for keep one's nose clean

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Browse Nearby Words

keep one's mouth shut
keep one's nose clean
keep one's nose out of
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Keep one's nose clean.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/keep%20one%27s%20nose%20clean. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Definition revised
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