The greasy pole
noun
A difficult task or challenge that is hard to reach or achieve.
Climbing to the top positions in politics is like climbing the greasy pole, not everyone can do it.
Often appears as...
- climbing the greasy pole
- sliding down the greasy pole
Usage tips
Idiomatic
noun
A game where people try to climb a greased pole with a prize on the top.
Every summer, locals take part in a game of 'the greasy pole' at the annual fair.
Often appears as...
- play the greasy pole
- win the greasy pole
noun
A difficult task or challenge that is hard to reach or achieve.
Climbing to the top positions in politics is like climbing the greasy pole, not everyone can do it.
Often appears as...
- climbing the greasy pole
- sliding down the greasy pole
Usage tips
Idiomatic
noun
A game where people try to climb a greased pole with a prize on the top.
Every summer, locals take part in a game of 'the greasy pole' at the annual fair.
Often appears as...
- play the greasy pole
- win the greasy pole
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphoric Challenge
Understand 'the greasy pole' as a metaphor for achieving hard-to-reach goals, often with setbacks.
He knew becoming a CEO would be climbing the greasy pole, with competition at every rung.
Pro Tip 2/3Career Ascent
'The greasy pole' alludes to professional advancement, indicating a difficult, slippery climb to success.
She's been climbing the greasy pole at the firm for years and is now a partner.
Pro Tip 3/3Perseverance Required
The phrase suggests that perseverance is necessary to succeed in ‘climbing the greasy pole’.
Even when he slid down the greasy pole a few times, he never gave up.
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphoric Challenge
Understand 'the greasy pole' as a metaphor for achieving hard-to-reach goals, often with setbacks.
He knew becoming a CEO would be climbing the greasy pole, with competition at every rung.
Pro Tip 2/3Career Ascent
'The greasy pole' alludes to professional advancement, indicating a difficult, slippery climb to success.
She's been climbing the greasy pole at the firm for years and is now a partner.
Pro Tip 3/3Perseverance Required
The phrase suggests that perseverance is necessary to succeed in ‘climbing the greasy pole’.
Even when he slid down the greasy pole a few times, he never gave up.
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphoric Challenge
Understand 'the greasy pole' as a metaphor for achieving hard-to-reach goals, often with setbacks.
He knew becoming a CEO would be climbing the greasy pole, with competition at every rung.
Pro Tip 2/3Career Ascent
'The greasy pole' alludes to professional advancement, indicating a difficult, slippery climb to success.
She's been climbing the greasy pole at the firm for years and is now a partner.
Pro Tip 3/3Perseverance Required
The phrase suggests that perseverance is necessary to succeed in ‘climbing the greasy pole’.
Even when he slid down the greasy pole a few times, he never gave up.
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