With all the emphasis on the two metre/meter or six foot social/physical distancing guideline, I was reminded of an old, common idiom.

“I or you wouldn't or shouldn't touch him/her/it with a ten-foot pole”

- To avoid something or someone at all costs; to refuse to associate with something;

- To keep one’s distance from something harmful; to avoid some people

- To not want to become in any way involved in or with someone or something.

This expression is nearly always used in the negative.

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 river and canal banks, wharfs and other boats.

The expression may also 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.

• Ronald wouldn't touch raw oysters with a ten-foot pole. 

• I don’t like drugs, so I wouldn't touch that stuff with a ten-foot pole!

• That person is a horrible person, so I wouldn't touch him with a ten-foot pole!

• No, I won't hire Fred. I wouldn't touch him with a ten-foot pole. 

• I wouldn't touch that job with a ten-foot pole.