from pillar to post
Shuffled around endlessly
From pillar to post describes being moved or sent repeatedly from one place or person to another, usually in a frustrating or exhausting way.
The phrase suggests a lack of resolution, as someone is bounced around without finding help or a final destination.
I was sent from pillar to post trying to get my insurance claim processed.
It often implies bureaucratic runaround or being given the runaround by people who won't take responsibility.
- back and forthRepeated alternating movement
- far and wideOver great distances
- hither and thitherIn various directions
- bounced aroundMoved erratically between points
- runaroundEvasive, delaying response
adrift · at loose ends · up and down · unsettled · displaced · shunted · here and there · all over the place · pass the buck · vagabond · transfer · wild goose chase · kicked around · red tape · move · on the move · shuttled · transient
from pillar to postsettled
No longer in question
rooted · anchored · established · stationary · stable
from pillar to postdirect
Undeviating or to guide
on course · purposeful · methodical · systematic · single-minded
from pillar to postin control
Managing with authority
self-directed · autonomous · self-determined · independent · in the driver's seat
pillar, postcard, postman, postal, postage, pillars, post, pillared, pilaster