to not walk on, touch, or go onto something, usually because it is not allowed or could be damaged.
Please keep off the grass so it can grow properly.
A: Why is there a sign here? B: It says 'Keep off the grass.' They don't want people walking on it.
In my city, there are many parks with signs asking people to keep off certain areas to protect the plants.
Common mistake
✗Keep off from the grass.
✓Keep off the grass.
'Keep off' + the surface directly — no 'from'.
Tell it apart
Keep off the grass.
don't step on it
Keep away from the edge.
don't go near it
Often used on signs or as a warning to tell people not to walk on grass, touch something, or enter a certain area.Not the same as 'keep away,' which means to stay at a distance, not just avoid touching.
to deliberately avoid mentioning, discussing, or raising a particular subject, often because it is sensitive, controversial, or inappropriate in the context.
Let's keep off the subject of money while we're at dinner.
A: Did you hear about the new policy at work? B: I'd rather we keep off work talk tonight—let's just relax.
In group discussions, it is often wise to keep off controversial topics if you want to maintain a harmonious atmosphere.
Common mistake
✗Let's keep off from politics.
✓Let's keep off politics. / keep off the subject.
In this 'avoid a topic' sense, 'keep off' takes the subject directly — no 'from'.
Tell it apart
Let's keep off politics.
avoid the topic
Let's keep off the grass.
don't step on it
'Keep off' in this sense is used when you want to steer a conversation away from a particular subject. It is neutral in register and common in both spoken and written English, especially when referring to topics that may cause disagreement or discomfort.Unlike the B1 sense of 'keep off' (not touching or stepping on something physically), this sense is figurative and refers to avoiding a topic in conversation or discussion.