English

Verb

keep one's nose clean

1. (idiomatic) To stay out of trouble, especially by avoiding unlawful behavior.
   • 1947, American Correctional Association, American Journal of Correction, page 6:

     They tell us, "Keep your nose clean and you'll no doubt make a parole." So we keep our noses very clean.

   • 2008 Nov. 5, Nathan Thornburgh, "Ted Stevens Sins, and (Likely) Wins," Time (retrieved 25 August 2013):

     Alaska Congressman Don Young . . . spent a huge share of his campaign donations on legal fees to keep his nose clean in the face of an FBI investigation into his dealings.