not touch something with a barge pole

English

Alternative forms

not touch something with a ten foot pole

Etymology

Probably derived from the barge poles that bargemen used to fend off wharfs and other boats.

Verb

not touch (something) with a barge pole

(idiomatic, Britain) To avoid something at all costs; to refuse to associate with something; (signifies a strong aversion).

Usage notes

This expression is almost exclusively used in the negative.

Translations

to avoid at all costs

Danish: ikke røre med en ildtang
German: mit der Kneifzange nicht anfassen

Russian: обходи́ть за версту́ impf (obxodítʹ za verstú)
Swedish: inte ta i med tång

See also

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