What does “Wouldn't touch it with a ten-foot pole” mean?
"Wouldn't touch it with a ten-foot pole" means to completely avoid something.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I saw that movie advertised, but I wouldn't touch it with a ten-foot pole.
Example
He offered me a job at his company, but I wouldn't touch it with a ten-foot pole.
Example
She suggested going to that restaurant, but I wouldn't touch it with a ten-foot pole
Is “Wouldn't touch it with a ten-foot pole” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Wouldn't touch it with a ten-foot pole” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Wouldn't touch it with a ten-foot pole” effectively in context?
You can use "Wouldn't touch it with a ten-foot pole" to express strong aversion or unwillingness to be involved with something. It emphasizes the idea of avoiding something completely. For example, if a friend suggests watching a movie that you've heard terrible reviews about, you might say, 'I saw that movie advertised, but I wouldn't touch it with a ten-foot pole.'
- 1Entertainment
I heard that new TV show is really bad. I wouldn't touch it with a ten-foot pole.
- 2Job Offer
He offered me a job at his company, but I wouldn't touch it with a ten-foot pole.
- 3Restaurant Recommendation
She suggested going to that restaurant, but I wouldn't touch it with a ten-foot pole.
Similar phrases to “Wouldn't touch it with a ten-foot pole”:
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Where does the phrase “Wouldn't touch it with a ten-foot pole” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Wouldn't touch it with a ten-foot pole" is unknown.
Is “Wouldn't touch it with a ten-foot pole” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Wouldn't touch it with a ten-foot pole" is a common expression in everyday conversation. People often use it to convey a strong sense of avoidance or unwillingness towards something.
What tone does “Wouldn't touch it with a ten-foot pole” have?
"Wouldn't touch it with a ten-foot pole" conveys a tone of strong aversion and reluctance. It's often used to express a firm decision to avoid or stay away from something.
Can “Wouldn't touch it with a ten-foot pole” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Wouldn't touch it with a ten-foot pole" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of complete avoidance. You can use it in casual conversations with friends and family, as well as in more formal situations such as business meetings or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'I wouldn't touch that car with a ten-foot pole.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'I wouldn't touch it with a ten-foot pole!' to imply strong aversion.
