ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:

Noun

barge pole - a long pole used to propel or guide a barge; "I wouldn't touch it with a barge pole"

pole - a long (usually round) rod of wood or metal or plastic

Translations

barge pole

n I wouldn't touch it with a barge pole (fam) (revolting) → non lo toccherei nemmeno con un dito; (risky) → girerei alla larga

Collins Italian Dictionary 1st Edition © HarperCollins Publishers 1995

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References in classic literature

We daren't touch what you propose with a barge pole; and so far from wanting you in the old party, we'd rather you ran your own risk by yourself.

View in context

Morelos has seen red five times this term - one of which was rescinded - and Souness is convinced big clubs won't touch him with a barge pole.

Souey blast at bad boys; SOUEY RAPS ALF AND AL

"It is a self-defeating form of Brexit, which no self-respecting Parliament should touch with a barge pole" - Former minister and pro-EU Tory MP Jo Johnson, warning that it could lead to a worse Conservative defeat than that of 1997.

They said what?

"Personally I wouldn't touch them with a barge pole.

Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis hits back at PPI scammers; Callers asked to hand over [pounds sterling]150 administration fee after being promised thousands

But as the PTI and PPP wouldnt touch PML-N with a barge pole the idea of a national government seems unrealistic.

National government, coalition government, or single party rule?

Dec added: "Tell your mate I wouldn't touch him with a barge pole. He does this cheeky chappy everyone's mate thing but it's all fake.

Coronation Street's Shona Ramsey discovers why Josh Tucker was fired from his last job after meeting his other rape victim; Dec told Shona that Josh could not be trusted and was sacked for causing trouble - but didn't reveal his horrifying ordeal

SHIRLEY Ballas has said she wouldn't touch Brendan Cole with a barge pole - after claims that he refused to bed her.

Strictly Shirl tried to bed Brendan? No cha-chance; Strictly judge pals trash claim

Anyway, I wouldn't touch you with a barge pole.' Ed pulled a wounded face.

The girl next door; Friends for life and polar opposites, Ed and Rosie's feelings are purely platonic

McCall wouldn't have touched half this squad with an electried barge pole. squad with an electried barge pole.

Name on passport could be Stuart Struth Greig Souness Broxy Bear McCall but it won't matter. He needs to rid Gers of years of Flintstone football

And this is why da kidz wouldn't touch the Dark Lord's karaoke cobblers with a barge pole. They're watching Strictly.

REMEMBER WHEN ROCK WAS YOUNG

But on Friday night I was speaking to BBC Wales and suggested that seven games were bankers, and three you wouldn't touch with a barge pole. United was one of those games I wouldn't have gone near.

The scene is set for another epic Premier League season

She grabbed hold of the flag when she wanted our votes, but hadn't touched it with a barge pole when it counted.

Maggie's war years; MAILBAG Mailbag letters also appear online at www.examiner.co.uk/letters