PhrasesHub

Have no truck with

    Definitions

      • discourage someone
        Advise against engaging in a particular activity or task, cautioning that it will not result in any positive outcome or benefit

      • refuse to be involved with
        Decline to associate or have dealings with someone or something, usually due to a lack of trust or disapproval

    Examples of Have no truck with

    • She has no truck with vulgar language.

      This idiom means that she strongly disapproves of using rude, coarse, or crude language. "Truck" refers to the past practice of traders exchanging goods on wagon beds known as "trucks". Therefore, to have no truck with something implies that one will have nothing to do with it, just as a trader would have no reason to exchange goods with someone who does not have items he needs.

    • The company has no truck with any form of corruption.

      Here, "truck" is used metaphorically. It means that the company has nothing to do with corruption in any form. The idiom originated from the practice of exchanging goods, and the literal meaning would be that the company won't be trading with corruption.

    • John has no truck with cheaters.

      This example is common nowadays. It means that John strongly disapproves as well as avoids individuals who cheat. The use of "truck" highlights the avoidance of something that's considered objectionable or reprehensible.

    • She has no truck with people who avoid taking responsibility for their actions.

      This example emphasizes the negative viewpoint of someone who doesn't accept responsibility for their actions. It focuses on avoiding or distancing oneself from people who display irresponsibility. The use of "truck" underlines a person's dismissive or adversarial stance toward those who don't accept responsibility for their actions.

    • Sarah has no truck with people who gossip about others behind their backs.

      This means that Sarah strongly dislikes and avoids associating with individuals who engage in spreading malicious rumors or talking negatively about others when they're not around.

    • The principal warns the students to have no truck with cheating on exams.

      This implies that the principal strictly prohibits and condemns students' involvement in cheating during tests.

    • The detective had no truck with the notorious gang, and thwarted their plans of robbery.

      Here, "had no truck with" refers to the detective's refusal to collaborate or cooperate with the notorious gang, and in fact, he successfully prevented their criminal activities.

    • The author warned the fans to have no truck with plagiarism and respect writers' intellectual property.

      This signifies the author's strong position against plagiarism and emphasizes the importance of respecting writers' rights over their original work.


    Conclusion

    The phrase "have no truck with" can be used to discourage someone from a particular action or to refuse to associate with someone or something. It is often used to express disapproval or a lack of trust.

    Origin of "Have no truck with"

    The origin of the phrase "have no truck with" is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in the 17th century. The word "truck" in this context refers to dealings or business, and the phrase implies a refusal to engage in such dealings. It is likely that the phrase evolved from the idea of refusing to have any dealings with something, whether it be a person, organization, or activity. Over time, it has come to be used more broadly to convey a sense of disapproval or caution. Examples of its usage can be found in literature from the 18th and 19th centuries, indicating that it has been a part of the English language for quite some time.