barge pole

• Palo largo utilizado para mover o gobernar una barcaza, pero usado sobre todo en la expresión 'no acercarse ni con un palo' (literalmente 'ni con el palo de una barcaza'), que indica evitar algo por completo por desconfianza o aversión.

A long pole used to propel or steer a barge, but most commonly used in the phrase 'would not touch something with a barge pole', meaning to avoid something completely due to distrust or dislike.

1. Long pole used on a bargeB2formalbritish

   A long pole used to propel or steer a barge (a flat-bottomed boat) on canals or rivers.

   Pértiga de barcaza

   • The boatman used a barge pole to push the barge along the canal.
   • He leaned on the barge pole to guide the vessel through the lock.
   • The old barge pole was worn from years of use.

2. Expression of strong avoidanceB2informalbritish

   Used in the phrase 'would not touch something with a barge pole' to mean one wants to avoid something completely.

   expresión de rechazo total

   • I wouldn't touch that investment with a barge pole.
   • He wouldn't touch the project with a barge pole after the scandal.
   • She said she wouldn't touch that job with a barge pole.