avoid like the plague
Meaning
To stay away from someone or something as much as possible because it’s unpleasant, risky, or strongly disliked.
Origin
It draws on the historical fear of the plague (especially the Black Death), which people tried desperately to avoid; the phrase became a strong metaphor for shunning something.
Notes
Strong, emphatic way to say you completely steer clear of something/someone; often hyperbolic. Because it references disease, it can sound insensitive in some contexts.
Examples
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I avoid that restaurant like the plague after getting food poisoning there once.
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He avoids office gossip like the plague because it always causes trouble.
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She avoided her ex like the plague at the reunion to keep things from getting awkward.
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I’m avoiding social media like the plague this week so I can focus on studying.
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They avoid driving downtown during rush hour like the plague because the traffic is unbearable.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Fixed pattern: “avoid + object + like the plague.” You can inflect “avoid/avoided/avoiding.” The simile “like the plague” can also modify other verbs (e.g., “shun it like the plague”).
Synonyms
- avoid at all costs
- steer clear of
- shun
- keep away from
- give a wide berth
Antonyms
- seek out
- embrace
- welcome
- gravitate toward