The correct spelling is "from pillar to post", not "from pillar post". This phrase means to be sent or thrown around from one place or situation to another without any clear direction or purpose. The IPA phonetic transcription for "from pillar to post" is /frʌm ˈpɪlər tə ˈpoʊst/. It is important to use correct spellings in written communication to effectively convey your message and avoid unintended confusion or misinterpretation.
The phrase "from pillar to post" is an idiomatic expression that is used to describe a situation where someone is sent back and forth between various places, often without any progress or resolution. It suggests a sense of frustration and inefficiency in dealing with a particular issue or task.
Originating from the British Isles, the phrase alludes to the practice of punishing offenders by tying them to a pillar or post and subjecting them to public lashings before sending them to another post or pillar for further punishment. Over time, it has evolved to represent the idea of being constantly shifted or moved without achieving any substantial outcome.
The expression is commonly used to convey a sense of being caught in a bureaucratic or administrative maze, where one is shuffled between different offices, departments, or individuals without finding a satisfactory resolution or answer. It implies a sense of disorientation and helplessness due to the endless back-and-forth.
When someone is "sent from pillar to post," it suggests that they are being subjected to unnecessary inconvenience and delays, as they are repeatedly redirected or transferred from one place or person to another. This phrase is often used to highlight the inefficiency, frustration, and lack of progress in a given situation, emphasizing the need for a more streamlined and effective approach.