the greasy pole

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.
See also: greasy, pole
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

the greasy pole

BRITISH
The 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.
See also: greasy, pole
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

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.
See also: greasy, pole
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • the home straight
  • boiling point
  • like greased lightning
  • broom closet
  • closet
  • a foothold in (something)
  • a change of tack
  • bring home the bacon
  • bring home the bacon, to
  • (one's) (hand)writing is like chicken scratch
References in periodicals archive
This would certainly save taxpayers' money, but be a bitter disappointment to those aspiring politicians groping their way up the greasy pole.
Our leaders could lead by example
Nothing must be allowed to block her path up the greasy pole. The image they present to the public is crucial.
My Brother's Name is Jessica
CHUKA UMUNNA has claimed his actions are "the antithesis of what it is to climb up the greasy pole" as he defended representing a third party in less than six months.
Umunna rejects 'careerist' jibes after Lib Dems switch
He said: "I get called a careerist but the things I've done are the antithesis of what it is to climb up the greasy pole."
Ambition 'in reverse'
It is all it's ever been about, making themselves popular to claw their way higher up the greasy pole.
THE BIG QUESTION; YOUR VOICE
Only those who help in the organisation of the festival can take part in the greasy pole challenge.
Malta celebrates historic greasy pole tournament
Should some deal eventually be struck, I also trust that he will then get short shrift as/when he comes crawling back when Town may well slip back down the greasy pole.
Squeeze until the pips squeak in stadium deal
Of course subsequent generations might slide down the greasy pole.
Opportunities diminishing; Views of the North
Oddly as the op expanded up the greasy pole of high society the job got canned."
EX COPS: OUR VIP PAEDO PROBES WERE SHUT DOWN; OFFICERS VENT ANGER OVER POLITICAL INTERFERENCE
The other day while having lunch with a couple of friends one of them said to the other about a mutual acquaintance that their friend's ascent up the greasy pole of academic advancement was impressive.
Greasy Palms on the rise
They had lived the 'politics of experience,' and probably had a greater understanding of the net value of worth as they climbed the greasy pole of corporate life.
Bottoms up
The gulf in class is that great - and the Klitschko's are not even in the same league as Lennox Lewis, which shows just how far down the greasy pole this match really is.
This freak show leaves boxing on the ropes; Roger's RANT
ISBN 978-0-19-396641-1, Zhu Rongji began his climb up the greasy pole of Chinese politics as the Mayor of Shanghai from 1987 to 1991.
Zhu Rongji Meets the Press
Yes some may claim to come from poor beginnings and have climbed the greasy pole but without real work experience they are pretty useless at anything to do with business.
VENT YOUR SPLEEN
And, while Adam neglects his pastoral duties in favour of climbing the greasy pole, Colin looks for meaning outside of St Saviour''s, swapping strong lager for other routes to oblivion in order to dabble in the Rastafarian religion.
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