- To refuse to be involved with something or someone under any circumstances.
- Expresses strong dislike, distrust, disgust, or avoidance.
Explanation
Origin
- Refers to using a very long pole (specified as 'ten-foot' for emphasis on distance) to interact with something unpleasant, dangerous, or contaminated without getting close.
- The British variant uses a 'bargepole', a long pole used to push barges away from docks or other boats.
- The expression signifies wanting to maintain maximum possible distance.
- Used since the 19th century.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- No way / Not a chance
- Stay miles away from it
- That's dodgy (UK/Aus suspicious) / sketchy (US suspicious)
- Hard pass (declining an offer strongly)
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- Wouldn't fucking touch it
- Keep the fuck away from it
- Hell no
More Formal:
- I have strong reservations about it.
- I would advise extreme caution / avoidance.
- I intend to completely abstain from involvement.
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal to semi-formal.
- The imagery is vivid and expresses strong negative feelings. It can be perceived as harsh or judgmental, so use carefully, especially when referring to things associated with other people.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Learners need to grasp the figurative nature – it signifies extreme avoidance due to negative feelings, not a literal inability to reach something.
Examples
- That business deal looks incredibly risky; I wouldn't touch it with a ten-foot pole.
- After getting food poisoning there once, I wouldn't touch that restaurant with a ten-foot pole.
- He has such a bad reputation, most people wouldn't touch him with a ten-foot pole.
Dialogue
Alice: Are you going to try that new extreme rollercoaster?
Bob: The one that malfunctioned last week? Absolutely not. I wouldn't touch it with a ten-foot pole.
Alice: Oh, right. Probably wise.
Social Media Examples
- Just saw the trailer for that horror movie remake. Nope. Wouldn't touch it with a ten-foot pole. Original is sacred! #MovieRemake #HardPass
- My friend keeps recommending this fad diet. Based on the 'rules'? Wouldn't touch it with a ten-foot pole. #DietCulture #Unhealthy
Response Patterns
- Agreement/Understanding: I don't blame you., Good call., Yeah, me neither.
- Curiosity: Really? Why not?, What's so bad about it?
- Acknowledging the strength of feeling: Wow, you really hate it, huh?
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
- Hearing this strong statement usually prompts questions about the reason behind the avoidance: What happened?, What's wrong with it?, Why do you feel so strongly?
- The conversation then typically delves into the negative aspects of the thing being avoided.
Conversation Starter
- No. A strong statement of avoidance, usually made in response to a suggestion, question, or topic.
Intonation
- Said with strong emphasis, often conveying disgust, firm refusal, or caution.
- Stress on wouldn't touch and ten-foot pole.
- I WOULDN'T TOUCH it with a TEN-FOOT POLE.
Generation Differences
- Widely understood and used across generations.
Regional Variations
- Ten-foot pole is standard in North American English.
- Wouldn't touch it with a bargepole is the more common equivalent in British, Australian, and New Zealand English. Both versions are generally understood across regions.