Not have a bar of something

usgb
phrase

To refuse to accept or be involved with something.

I won't have a bar of his silly ideas about moving to the country.
Visual representation of "not have a bar of something" - To refuse to accept or be involved with something

Often appears as...

  • won't have a bar of it
  • didn't have a bar of it

Usage tips

Colloquial

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "not have a bar of something"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Australian Origin

The phrase is commonly used in Australian English and might be less recognized elsewhere.

Illustration for Australian Origin
As soon as he started criticising her cooking, she said she would not have a bar of it.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Strong Rejection

Using this phrase indicates a strong or firm refusal to accept or engage with something.

Illustration for Strong Rejection
Even when offered a high salary, she wouldn't have a bar of the unethical project.
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Informal Use

It's an informal expression, more suitable for casual conversations than formal situations.

Illustration for Informal Use
He offered to fix my car for free, but I wouldn't have a bar of it after last time.
Visual representation of the word "Not have a bar of something"

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