English Explanatory Dictionary

not touch with a ten-foot pole

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To avoid something at all costs; to refuse to associate with something; signifies a strong aversion.
  2. To be unable (perhaps figuratively) to approach something or someone.

Pronunciation

En-au-not touch something with a ten foot pole.ogg

Word forms

not touch with a ten-foot pole not touch something with a barge pole

Etymology

Sense 1 attested in 1846; sense 2 in 1844.

Related words

can't stand the sight of not be caught dead over my dead body
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