the greasy pole
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the greasy pole
The route to advancement in one's place of employment or education, likened to a greased pole that is slippery and difficult to climb. Primarily heard in UK, Australia. I know it's been a hard month, but it's just another upward movement on the greasy pole.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
the greasy pole
BRITISHThe greasy pole is used to talk about someone's attempts to reach a more successful position in their career. In 1982 he joined the ruling party, since when he has climbed its greasy pole, becoming finance minister in 1991. Michael's plan was to impress the boss and start up the greasy pole. Note: This expression is often used disapprovingly, especially to suggest that success at work is not of great value. Note: In the past, climbing up or along a greasy pole in order to get a prize at the end of it was a popular fairground competition.
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012
the greasy pole
used to refer to the difficult route to the top of someone's profession.The original literal greasy pole was a pole covered with an oily substance to make it more difficult to climb or walk along, used especially as a form of entertainment.
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017