not touch something with a barge pole: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘not touch something with a barge pole’ mean?
The idiom "not touch something with a barge pole" means to avoid or have no interest in being involved with something or someone due to its undesirability, danger, or being considered worthless.
Idiom Explorer
An idiom often used to describe a person who is disliked or considered bad, with negative qualities or behavior.
One of the most popular idioms in English is "rotten egg." This phrase describes a person who is considered bad or unpleasant. The idiom originated in the early 19th century and is still commonly used today.
The idiom "poles apart" means two things or people being extremely different or having opposite opinions or beliefs.
The idiom "over a barrel" means to be in a difficult or unfavorable situation, with no control or ability to escape. It suggests being helpless or at the mercy of someone else's power or authority.
The idiom "not worth salt" means something or someone is of no value or insignificant. It originates from ancient Rome where salt was highly valued as a valuable commodity used for trade and payment.
The idiom "not worth a whistle" means something is completely worthless or of no value at all.
Idiom: Not worth a whistle
The idiom "not worth a dime" means something or someone does not have any value or is not valuable. It suggests that the thing or person is not worth even a small amount of money.
The idiom "not want to do that" is used to indicate a strong aversion or unwillingness towards a particular action or situation.
The idiom "not touch something with a ten-foot pole" means to avoid or refuse to be involved with something or someone due to its negative or dangerous nature. It implies a strong aversion or caution towards the subject at hand.
The idiom "not to put too fine a point on it" means to say something without being overly precise or explicit, typically to avoid causing offense or discomfort.
The idiom "not on your nelly" is a British slang expression that means categorically refusing something or expressing disbelief or skepticism towards a proposition.
The idiom "not on your nelly" is a commonly used phrase in British English that originated in the mid-20th century. It is used to express a strong and emphatic refusal or rejection of something. The idiom has a playful and informal tone, adding color and emphasis to statements.
Forbidden Tales
The idiom "not touch something with a barge pole" is a well-known expression in the English language, indicating a strong aversion or refusal to have anything to do with a particular person, object, or situation. This phrase suggests extreme caution or avoidance, emphasizing the unwillingness to engage or interact with the subject in question.
Originating in the 19th century, the exact details of the idiom's history remain unclear. However, we do know that the term "barge pole" refers to a long pole used for propelling barges along narrow waterways. Barges are large, flat-bottomed boats often used for cargo transportation. By incorporating the notion of a barge pole into the idiom, it further emphasizes the idea of keeping a significant distance or separation from the object or person being referenced.
While this idiom is predominantly used in British English, its usage has spread to other English-speaking regions over time. Despite its origins, the phrase holds a certain level of cultural significance, capturing the imagination of individuals who are familiar with its figurative meaning.
When we say we wouldn't "touch something with a barge pole," we are expressing a strong sense of aversion or refusal towards that particular subject. It is an idiom that conveys a vivid image of keeping a safe distance from something undesirable.
Notably, this idiom shares similarities with other related idioms that also emphasize a strong aversion or refusal towards a subject. One similar phrase is "not touch something with a ten-foot pole." While the barge pole idiom features the distance created by the long pole used for barges, the ten-foot pole idiom implies an even greater distance.
Furthermore, there is the idiom "not be caught dead." This phrase adds an element of personal risk or danger to the refusal of touching or being associated with something. It suggests that the subject is so undesirable that even the potential consequence of death is preferable to engaging with it.
Additionally, we have the idiom "beat off with a stick." This phrase introduces the idea of physically warding off or repelling something with a stick. It implies a more proactive approach to avoiding something, emphasizing the willingness to physically defend oneself against the subject in question.
Lastly, we have the idiom "above the fray." This phrase suggests a refusal to engage in or become entangled in a conflict or dispute. It conveys a sense of maintaining a higher level of moral or ethical standing by staying out of the fray or chaos of a particular situation.
Overall, the idiom "not touch something with a barge pole" is a powerful expression that conveys a strong aversion or refusal towards a particular subject. Its connection to barges and the idea of keeping a significant distance enhances its vivid imagery. This idiom, along with other related idioms, provides colorful language to express our unwillingness to engage or be associated with something undesired, ensuring effective communication and impactful expression.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "not touch something with a barge pole" can be used in a sentence:
- He won't touch that car with a barge pole because it's too expensive to maintain.
- After hearing all the negative reviews, she wouldn't touch that movie with a barge pole.
- They refused to invest in that business idea, stating they wouldn't touch it with a barge pole.
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