Definitions

not-touch-something-with-a-barge-pole

Verb
  1. (idiomatic, UK) 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.

Origin

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


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  • not-touch-something-with-a-barge-pole

Also Mentioned In


  • barge-pole
  • barge-poles
  • not-touch-something-with-a-ten-foot-pole
  • bargepole
  • quant-pole
  • in-touch
  • ramberge
  • coach-horse
  • hoverbarge
  • n-pole

Words near not-touch-something-with-a-barge-pole in the dictionary


  • not-to-be-able-to-say-boo-to-a-goose
  • not-to-mention
  • not-to-put-too-fine-a-point-on-it
  • not-to-say
  • not-touch-something-with-a-barge-pole
  • not-touch-something-with-a-ten-foot-pole
  • not usually
  • not-ve
  • not-very
  • not-while-pussy-s-a-cat

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