1. to stay away or avoid someone or something
Professional
Social
steer clear of alcohol/danger/trouble
To steer clear of something or someone means to avoid contact with it or to stay away from it altogether. You might steer clear of a particular activity or task you do not want to do or complete, or try to steer clear of people or things which are not good for you. You will hear this idiomatic expression used in social and professional contexts.