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

enough something to plague a saint and something is enough to plague a saint

Rur. enough of something to annoy even a patient person. That little boy has enough curiosity to plague a saint! Sally's a well-meaning woman, but her endless gossiping is enough to plague a saint.

See also: enough, saint

plague someone or something with something

to bother or annoy someone or something with something. Stop plaguing me with your requests. We plagued the committee with ideas.

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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

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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