Here's a breakdown:
* Wide berth: This refers to a large, safe distance, like a ship sailing around a dangerous reef.
* Give: This implies intentional action, actively choosing to avoid.
Examples:
* "After the fight, they decided to give each other a wide berth."
* "That new boss is known for being difficult, so I'm giving him a wide berth."
* "The dog is aggressive, so it's best to give it a wide berth."
Essentially, you're staying away from someone or something you consider problematic, potentially dangerous, or simply undesirable.