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

Verb

(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.

Also Mentioned In

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

not-touch-something-with-a-barge-pole
not-touch-something-with-a-ten-foot-pole
not usually
not-ve