Not touch somebody/something with a bargepole
phrase
To avoid someone or something completely, because it could create problems or danger.
Given the company's poor reputation in the industry, I wouldn't touch their job offer with a bargepole.
Often appears as...
- wouldn't touch it with a bargepole
- wouldn't touch that situation with a bargepole
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Idiomatic
phrase
To avoid someone or something completely, because it could create problems or danger.
Given the company's poor reputation in the industry, I wouldn't touch their job offer with a bargepole.
Often appears as...
- wouldn't touch it with a bargepole
- wouldn't touch that situation with a bargepole
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Strong Avoidance
Expresses a very strong decision to avoid something because of negative qualities or consequences.
That restaurant has failed several health inspections; I'd not touch it with a bargepole.
Pro Tip 2/3Figurative Meaning
The phrase is not literal; it's an idiomatic expression to emphasize avoidance without actual poles involved.
His last project was a disaster, so I wouldn't touch his new scheme with a bargepole.
Pro Tip 3/3Colloquial Use
Used in casual conversations, may not be suitable for formal contexts.
She's so unreliable; I wouldn't touch her offer with a bargepole.
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