not touch with a barge pole
To avoid something at all costs; to refuse to associate with something; (signifies a strong aversion).
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“I would not touch that deal with a barge pole.”
“The company had such a bad reputation that most investors would not touch it with a barge pole.”
“After hearing about the constant engine problems and the high price, my brother decided he would not touch that used car with a barge pole.”
“Despite the tempting financial incentives offered by the firm, the seasoned consultant insisted he would not touch the project with a barge pole due to its questionable ethics.”
disputed origin
The expression probably derives from the long wooden poles used by bargemen to fend off wharfs, riverbanks, or other vessels. The pole allowed for the maintenance of a controlled distance from objects that were heavy, stationary, or socially inconvenient. While the specific date of the idiom's transition from the river to the lexicon is not recorded, the mechanics remain consistent: the pole provides exactly enough reach to ensure that one's person does not come into actual contact with the matter at hand.
- 01
bare poles
The condition of a sailing boat when all of its sails have been taken in.
- 02
common touch
The personal quality of showing understanding of and sympathy for the concerns of ordinary people; rapport with and acceptance by ordinary people, usually in a celebrity or leader.
- 03
everything one touches turns to gold
Everything someone uses or does succeeds or becomes better.
- 04
everything one touches turns to shit
Everything someone uses or does fails or becomes worse.
- 05
golden touch
Synonym of Midas touch (“the ability to achieve financial reward (or, more generally, success) easily and consistently”).
- 06
high on the totem pole
Accorded relatively high importance.
- 07
human touch
The ability of a person to deal with others in a personable and empathetic way.
- 08
kick into touch
To evade an issue; to stop from happening.
Last updated August 10, 2026