The phrase “wouldn’t have a bar of it” originated in Australian English in the early 20th century. It means to detest, reject, or be intolerant of something. The exact origin of “bar” in this expression is unclear.
The earliest known usage of the phrase is from a Sydney newspaper in 1904. Over the years, it has become a common expression in Australia and New Zealand.
While several dictionaries have entries for this expression, none provide a clear explanation of how “bar” came to be used in this context.
The verb “bar” has a long history in English, originally meaning to fasten with a bar or to exclude from consideration. These meanings may have influenced the use of “bar” in the phrase “not to stand a bar of something.”
Overall, the origin of this expression remains a bit of a linguistic mystery. If you’d like to support our blog, consider making a donation or checking out our books on the English language.
