English

Verb

not touch (something) with a ten foot pole

1. (idiomatic) To avoid something at all costs; to refuse to associate with something; signifies a strong aversion.
   • Ambrose Bierce (under the pseudonym Dod Grile), The Fiend's Delight In conclusion, his respect for letter-writing ladies is so great that he would not touch one of them with a ten-foot pole.
   • 1999. David Morefield, The Guardian: I spy, the new 007:

     Serious actors of the world wouldn't touch the part with a ten-foot pole.

2. (idiomatic) To be unable (perhaps figuratively) to approach something or someone.
   • Francis Lynde, The Quickening:

     On the contrary, my dear Mr. Gordon, it is because I do know him, or know of him, that I am turning him over to you. You are the one person in the world to obtain that coal lease. I confess I couldn't touch the Major with a ten-foot pole, any more than you could go North and get the cash. But you are his neighbor, and he likes you. What you recommend, he'll do.

   • Ambrose Bierce, The Collected Works of Ambrose Bierce, Vol. 8:

     ... the stock's gone up from nothin' out o' sight. You couldn't tech that stock with a ten-foot pole!

Usage notes

This expression is nearly always used in the negative.

Translations

See also

• not be caught dead
• over my dead body
• not touch something with a barge pole