preserve one's purity; mind one's own business
Meanings
2 senses · 4 examplesverb
to maintain one's moral integrity; to keep oneself clean
commendatoryOften used in a commendatory sense to praise someone who resists corruption or bad influences in a negative environment. This is the original and more positive meaning.
In that chaotic era, he chose to keep his integrity and not associate with corrupt officials.
As an artist, he has always kept himself clean, staying away from the gossip of the entertainment industry.
verb
to be concerned only with one's own affairs; to avoid involvement
derogatoryThis meaning carries a slightly negative or neutral connotation, implying a lack of social responsibility or civic engagement. It criticizes an overly self-protective attitude.
He always minds his own business about community issues and is never willing to step forward to solve them.
Faced with injustice, we cannot just keep to ourselves; we should stand up bravely.