avoid like the plague

avoid someone or something like the plague

Fig. to ignore or keep away from someone or something totally. What's wrong with Bob? Everyone avoids him like the plague. I don't like opera. I avoid it like the plague.

See also: avoid, like, plague

---

avoid somebody/something like the plague

to try very hard to avoid someone or something that you do not like

Usage notes: A plague is a serious disease which kills many people.

I'm not a fan of parties - in fact I avoid them like the plague.

See also: avoid, like, plague

---

avoid somebody/something like the plague

to keep far away from someone or something When he was in high school, he avoided girls like the plague.

Usage notes: usually said about someone or something you fear or do not like

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of the plague (a disease that spreads quickly and kills great numbers of people)

See also: avoid, like, plague