trolley-pole

trolley-pole

A streetcar uses its trolley-pole to draw power from the overhead wire.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A "trolley-pole" is a long, vertical or angled pole mounted on a trolley car, streetcar, or electric bus. It is used to collect electric current from an overhead wire (the trolley wire) to power the vehicle's motor. The pole typically has a small wheel or shoe at its top that makes contact with the wire.
Usage Examples
  • (The pole made contact with the power line.)
  • (The pole needed repositioning to restore electrical contact.)
Advanced Usage

  • "To lose the trolley-pole": a situation where the pole detaches from the overhead wire, cutting off power to the vehicle.

    • The streetcar lost its trolley-pole halfway up the hill, causing a delay. (The pole disconnected, stopping the tram.)

  • "Trolley-pole retriever": a device or tool used to guide the trolley-pole back onto the wire without the driver leaving the vehicle.

    • The operator used a long rope as a trolley-pole retriever to reconnect the pole. (A tool to reattach the pole.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Trolley (n): a wheeled vehicle that runs on tracks and is powered by electricity from an overhead wire.

    • The trolley rattled down the main street. (The electric tram moved along the rails.)

  • Trolley-pole shoe (n): the metal or carbon contact at the top of the pole that slides along the wire.

    • The trolley-pole shoe was worn out and needed replacement. (The sliding contact part.)

  • Pole (n): a long, slender piece of wood, metal, or other material.

    • The pole was made of steel to withstand the current. (The rigid rod.)
Synonyms
  • Current collector: a broader term for any device that picks up electrical current from an overhead line.
  • Trolley arm: another term for the pole used on trolley cars.
Related Idioms
  • "Off the trolley": a humorous or informal phrase meaning disconnected or not functioning properly, derived from the trolley-pole coming off the wire.
    • The whole system seems off the trolley today. (Not working correctly.)
Phrasal Verbs

  • Pole off: to cause the trolley-pole to detach from the wire, intentionally or accidentally.

    • The driver accidentally poled off when turning too sharply. (The pole came off the wire.)

  • Pole up: to raise the trolley-pole to connect it to the overhead wire.

    • The conductor had to pole up before the tram could move. (Lift and attach the pole.)