not touch (someone or something) with a bargepole
idiom
British, informal
: to refuse to go near or become involved with (someone or something)
That investment is too risky. I wouldn't touch it with a bargepole.
Cite this Entry
“Not touch (someone or something) with a bargepole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/not%20touch%20%28someone%20or%20something%29%20with%20a%20bargepole. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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