I wouldn't touch (someone or something) with a ten-foot pole

I do not want to become in any way involved in or with something or someone. Primarily heard in US. Get that cocaine away from me. I wouldn't touch that junk with a ten-foot pole! You might think John is attractive, but I wouldn't touch him with a ten-foot pole. He seems like a creep. Sushi? No way—I wouldn't touch raw fish with a ten-foot pole.

Cliché I would not have anything to do with it under any circumstances. (Said about something you think is untrustworthy, as in the first example, or in response to a remark that seems to invite a nasty reply, as in the second example. The British version is "I would not touch it with a bargepole.") Jill: This advertisement says I can buy land in Florida for a small investment. Do you think I should? Jane: I wouldn't touch it with a ten-foot pole. Jane: Can you believe this? Jill said she thinks I'm bossy. You don't think I'm bossy, do you? Mary: I wouldn't touch that with a ten-foot pole.

Cliché would not be involved with something under any circumstances. I know about the piece of vacant land for sale on Maple Street. I wouldn't touch it with a ten-foot pole because there used to be a gas station there and the soil is polluted. Tom said he wouldn't touch Sally with a ten-foot pole.