[Idiom] NOT TOUCH WITH A TEN-FOOT POLE. - Discussing Phrases for Complete Avoidance

Avoid completely.

'Not touch with a ten-foot pole' is an expressive way of saying that someone would completely avoid something undesirable or distasteful. The phrase uses an exaggerated length of a pole as a metaphor for maintaining as much distance as possible from something unappealing or dangerous.

Example Sentences

1. He wouldn’t touch that risky investment with a ten-foot pole.

   He wouldn’t invest in that risky option.

2. She decided she wouldn’t touch the controversial issue with a ten-foot pole.

   She decided she wouldn’t get involved in the controversial issue.

3. Due to its reputation, they wouldn’t touch that restaurant with a ten-foot pole.

   Due to its bad reputation, they wouldn’t visit that restaurant.