sup with the devil with a long spoon

[Unregistered]

Hello there,
i found this expression in Cliford Geertz's text ''sup with the devil with a long spoon''
could you please let me know what it means?
thank you
Lenka Hadravova

 

[Delmobile]

The idea is that the longer your spoon, the farther away you can stay from Old Nick. If you have to associate with unsavory companions, be sure to keep your distance.

Here's an interesting illustration.

[not a teacher]