To avoid something at all costs; to refuse to associate with something; signifies a strong aversion.

Etymology:

  • This expression may have been derived by the 10-foot poles that electricians and other utility workers use to de-energize transformers and other high voltage utility equipment before performing maintenance.
  • This expression may have been derived by the 10-foot poles that river boatmen used to pole their boats with, along in shallow water, or from the barge poles that bargemen used to fend off wharfs and other boats.
  • Many believe this expression originates from a burial practice in New Orleans. The Spanish developed burial system of present day proceeds by first placing the casket of the patron in an above ground tomb. Exactly 1 year and 1 day after burial, the tomb is opened and the casket removed. The body is next wrapped in a sheet and shoved to the back of the tomb with a ten foot pole where it falls off the shelf to the bottom. The weather of the area caused the remains to decompose quickly and tombs are subsequently reused for many burial. The expression, "I wouldn't touch it with a ten foot pole," is thought to have originated from this burial process.
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Submitted on September 01, 2009

Additional definitions for 'not touch something with a ten foot pole':

not touch something with a ten foot poleAmbrose Bierce , 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.
not touch something with a ten foot poleAmbrose Bierce, The Collected Works of Ambrose Bierce, Vol. 8.
not touch something with a ten foot poleFrancis Lynde, The Quickening.
not touch something with a ten foot poleTo approach something or someone.
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