What does 箸にも棒にもかからない describe?


I think I understand when you would use 箸にも棒にもかからない, referring to someone who
is hopeless - but what situation does the phrase describe?  
Is there a story behind it? What is happening with chopsticks and sticks?




According to this site... <http://kotowaza.avaloky.com/pv_hob26_01.html>

Suppose you're trying to pick something up by hooking it up. You tried a short
chopstick. You tried a long stick. But no avail, it can't be caught with them
- it just doesn't seem to work!

This is the story behind this phrase. It depicts the outcome that is so bad
that it can be of no use.

