Phrase guide
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.
verb
To avoid something at all costs; to refuse to associate with something; (signifies a strong aversion).
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: UK, idiomatic
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
History
Probably derived from the barge poles that bargemen used to fend off wharfs and other boats.
