not touch with a barge pole
To avoid something at all costs; to refuse to associate with something; (signifies a strong aversion).
ADJ
brightly painted | canal, river | sailing | cargo, coal, etc.
VERB + BARGE
tow | load (sth into), unload (sth from) | moor, tie up
BARGE + VERB
be laden/loaded with sth, carry sth
PREP
by ~
The tourists enjoyed a peaceful afternoon floating by barge along the scenic canal.
in/on a/the ~
We spent our vacation on a barge, traveling slowly down the river.