avoid like the plague
Steer far from
To avoid like the plague is to stay away from something or someone with extreme determination.
The phrase emphasizes complete, deliberate avoidance: I avoid that intersection like the plague during rush hour.
The expression persists despite plague itself being largely historical for most speakers.
- abhorIntensely dislike, with disgust
- keep awayRemain at distance
- steer clearActively avoid something
- eschewDeliberately abstain from
- evadeEscape by cunning
stay away from · steer clear of · shun · keep at arm's length · pariah · black sheep · anathema · leper · circumvent · abstain · untouchable · distancing · run a mile · detest · bypass · loathe · toxic · bad news