from pillar to post

Friendly

The phrase "from pillar to post" is an idiom in English that means to be moved or sent from one place or situation to another, often in a confused or chaotic way. It typically suggests that someone is being passed around without finding a solution to their problem or without getting help.

Usage Instructions:

• Adverbial phrase: You can use "from pillar to post" to describe someone’s experience of being moved or treated in a disorganized manner.
• It is often used in a negative context to highlight frustration or inconvenience.

Example Sentence:

• After losing my wallet, I was sent from pillar to post trying to get a replacement ID; first, I went to the bank, then to the DMV, and finally to the police station.

Advanced Usage:

• You might encounter "from pillar to post" in discussions about bureaucracy or inefficient systems where people are not being helped effectively. It can be used to criticize processes that make it hard for people to get what they need.

Word Variants:

• There are no direct variants of the phrase "from pillar to post", but you might see it in different tenses or forms, such as "moved from pillar to post" or "sent from pillar to post".

Different Meaning:

• The phrase primarily retains its meaning of confusion and disorganization. However, it can also imply a sense of helplessness or frustration when dealing with systems or people.

Synonyms:

• Back and forth: This suggests moving repeatedly between places or situations.
• Bouncing around: Similar in meaning, indicating movement without stability.
• Going in circles: Suggests a frustrating situation where no progress is made.

Related Idioms:

• "At sixes and sevens": Means to be in a state of confusion or disorder.
• "Running around in circles": Indicates a situation where you are busy but not making progress.

Phrasal Verbs:

While "from pillar to post" is an idiom, it doesn't have a direct phrasal verb equivalent. However, you can use phrases like: - "Run around": To move around aimlessly or without purpose. - "Pass around": To give something to others in a circular manner.

Academic

Adverb

1. from one place or situation to another
   • we were driven from pillar to post

Synonyms

• hither and thither