pole (redirected from poles)

be in pole position (British & Australian)

to be in the best position to win a competition. United are in pole position to win the championship this year. (often + to do something)

See also: position

be poles apart

if two people or things are poles apart, they are complete opposites. My sister and I are poles apart in personality. Our political views are poles apart.

See also: apart

the greasy pole (British & Australian)

the attempt to improve your position at work. His ascent up the greasy pole of academic advancement was remarkably quick.

See also: greasy

I wouldn't touch someone/something with a barge pole. (British & Australian, informal, American & Australian, informal)

something that you say which means that you think someone or something is so bad that you do not want to be involved with them in any way. If I were you, I wouldn't touch that property with a barge pole.

See also: barge, touch, wouldn't

the low man on the totem pole (American)

someone who has the least important position in an organization. He started as the low man on the totem pole and worked his way up to be manager.

See also: low, man, totem

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low on the totem pole

least important. He's the low man on the totem pole here. AIDS deaths are low on the totem pole compared with cancer and heart disease.

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of totem pole (= a wooden pole with images of people and animals cut or painted on it)

See also: low, totem

not touch something with a ten-foot pole

to not want to become involved with something. If I were you, I wouldn't touch that job with a ten-foot pole.

Usage notes: often used as a warning

See also: touch