From pillar to post: Learn what the means through example!

What does “From pillar to post” mean?

"From pillar to post" means moving or traveling from one place to another without a clear purpose or direction.

What context can I use the in?

Example

After losing his job, he wandered from pillar to post for months.

Example

She spent the entire day running from pillar to post trying to find the perfect gift.

Example

The lost dog was seen running from pillar to post in the neighborhood

Is “From pillar to post” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“From pillar to post” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “From pillar to post” effectively in context?

You can use "From pillar to post" to describe someone who is moving aimlessly from one place or situation to another, without making any progress or achieving any goal. It emphasizes the lack of direction and purpose in their actions. For example, if a friend keeps changing jobs without finding satisfaction or success, you might say, 'He's been going from pillar to post, never staying in one place long enough to make any progress in his career.'

• 1. Career

  He has been job hopping for years, going from pillar to post. He never stays in one place long enough to make any progress in his career.

• 2. Getting Lost

  After getting lost in the city, we wandered from pillar to post trying to find our way back to the hotel.

• 3. Health and Fitness

  She has been trying different diets and exercise routines, but she's just going from pillar to post without seeing any real results.

Similar phrases to “From pillar to post”:

Running in circles

Engaging in activity without making any progress or achieving any goal

Example

She's been running in circles, trying different strategies but not getting any closer to her objective.

Chasing one's tail

Engaging in futile or pointless activity

Example

He's been chasing his tail, constantly busy but never accomplishing anything significant.

Spinning one's wheels

Engaging in unproductive or ineffective actions

Example

They've been spinning their wheels, putting in effort but not making any real progress.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “From pillar to post” come from?

The origin of the phrase "From pillar to post" is unknown.

Is “From pillar to post” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "From pillar to post" is a common proverb that is used in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe situations where someone is constantly moving or changing without making any progress.

What tone does “From pillar to post” have?

"From pillar to post" conveys a tone of frustration and disappointment. It highlights the lack of direction and purpose in someone's actions, emphasizing their inability to achieve their goals.

Can “From pillar to post” be used in informal and formal settings?

The phrase "From pillar to post" is relatively informal and can be used in casual conversations with friends, family, and colleagues. However, it may not be as commonly used in more formal settings such as professional presentations or written correspondence.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He's been going "from pillar to post", never staying in one place long enough to make any progress in his career.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'He's just going "from pillar to post"!' to express frustration with someone's lack of direction.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• going around in circles
• wandering aimlessly
• making no headway
• getting nowhere
• going in circles

Antonyms

• advancing
• making progress
• moving forward
• achieving goals
• finding direction