Le verbe “éviter”

Question

Bonjour Madame Cécile !The verb “éviter” as was asked in a quiz stated-Oui, évitons-.......... une situation embarrassante !(Yes, let’s avoid them an awkward situation !)The accepted answer stated - leur as opposed to les (answered by me)So is it that the correct expression is-Éviter à quelqu’un -> To avoid someone ? (Indirect object pronouns)And then about things, would one say-Éviter quelque chose -> To avoid something ? (Direct Object Pronouns)Merci pour votre réponse!Cordialement, Shrey.

Accepted Answer

Hi Shrey,
The correct expression in your example  is -
Éviter quelque chose à quelqu'un 
which I would translate,  'to spare somebody something' 
A more complicated sentence might be 
Ça lui a évité d'avoir à se déplacer = This spared him (saved him the bother) the trouble of going
Interesting point!

Answer

Merci Madame Cécile ! Je connais maintenant la bonne expression. À bientôt !