Idiom
keep one's nose clean
Theme: INNOCENCE
to keep out of trouble, especially trouble with the law. (Slang.)I'm trying to keep my nose clean by staying away from those rough guys.John, if you don't learn how to keep your nose clean, you're going to end up in jail.
Slang
keep one's nose clean
Theme: HONESTY
tr. to keep out of trouble, especially trouble with the law.Okay, chum. Keep your nose clean.I can keep my nose clean. Don't worry.