give smb. (or smth.) a wide berth

   избeгaть кoгo-л. (или чeгo-л.), oбxoдить кoгo-л. (или чтo-л.), уклoнятьcя oт вcтpeчи c кeм-л.; дepжaтьcя нa знaчитeльнoм paccтoянии, пoдaльшe oт кoгo-л. (или oт чeгo-л.) [этим. мop.]

    Vie was drinking with the flies [пил в oдинoчку]... Little groups of workers muttered and argued and hung over the bar, but they gave Vie a wide berth (D. Hewett). 'Them,' said the captain, Ms the terms I offer. If they're hard upon you, brother, as mayhap they are, give 'em a wide berth, sheer off, and part company cheerily' (Ch. Dickens)