not in any way, shape, or form

not in any way, shape, or form

Not in any manner or capacity whatsoever; under no circumstances. I don't want him participating in this event, you hear me? Not in any way, shape, or form! This sort of behavior is not acceptable in any way, shape, or form.

See also: any, form, not

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

in any way, shape, or form, not

Not at all, in no possible manner. Also put as in no way, shape, or form, this emphatic and partially redundant phrase (shape and form mean the same thing) dates from the mid-1900s. It is generally a reply to a question, such as “‘Are you planning another family reunion?’ ‘No, not in any way, shape, or form.’” Also see no way.

See also: any, not

The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer Copyright © 2013 by Christine Ammer