Question:

Directions: Choose the option that best expresses the meaning of the given idiom/phrase.
He always advises his brother to keep his nose clean.

Updated On: Jan 13, 2026
  • Stay out of trouble
  • Be polite
  • Act smart
  • Update himself
  • Behave decently
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

The idiom "keep his nose clean" is often used in English to advise someone to avoid trouble and behave lawfully. It suggests that the person should maintain a clean record by staying out of situations that might lead to problems or legal issues.

Given the context and the options provided, let's analyze what each means:

  1. Stay out of trouble: This directly relates to the idea of maintaining a clean record by avoiding actions that might lead to complications or legal issues. This option captures the essence of the idiom.
  2. Be polite: While being polite is generally a good behavior, it doesn’t capture the full meaning of avoiding trouble or staying clear of illegal or problematic situations.
  3. Act smart: Acting smart implies using intelligence in situations, but like being polite, it doesn't specifically relate to avoiding trouble or legal issues.
  4. Update himself: This means staying informed or educated, which is unrelated to avoiding trouble.
  5. Behave decently: While behaving decently could involve staying out of trouble, it’s broader and can also mean being polite or morally upright, rather than specifically avoiding trouble.

After reviewing all options, the most appropriate expression that captures the meaning of "keep his nose clean" is "Stay out of trouble." Hence, the correct answer is:

Stay out of trouble

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