1. to avoid at all costs; to stay far away from a difficult problem;

1. I won’t touch that controversy with a ten-foot pole.

2. Jill: This advertisement says I can buy land in Florida for a small investment. Do you think I should? Jane: I wouldn’t touch it with a ten-foot pole.

3. Jane: Can you believe this? Jill said she thinks I’m bossy. You don’t think I’m bossy, do you? Mary: I wouldn’t touch that with a ten-foot pole.

4. That investment is too risky. I wouldn't touch it with a ten-foot pole.