would not touch someone or something with a bargepole

not touch (someone or something) with a barge pole

To not want to become in any way involved in or with something or someone. Primarily heard in UK, Australia. Ever since the tax scandal in our last company, employers won't touch us with a barge pole. Get that cocaine away from me, I wouldn't touch that with a barge pole!

See also: barge, not, pole, touch

would not touch someone or something with a bargepole

used to express an emphatic refusal to have anything to do with someone or something. informal

A bargepole is used to propel a barge and to fend off obstacles. The equivalent US expression substitutes a ten-foot pole .

See also: bargepole, not, someone, something, touch