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.

Related

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

Opposites
stability and rootedness

from pillar to postsettled

No longer in question

rooted · anchored · established · stationary · stable

purposefulness of movement

from pillar to postdirect

Undeviating or to guide

on course · purposeful · methodical · systematic · single-minded

control over circumstances

from pillar to postin control

Managing with authority

self-directed · autonomous · self-determined · independent · in the driver's seat

Family

pillar, postcard, postman, postal, postage, pillars, post, pillared, pilaster

Familiarity
Top 200,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Everyday, not technical · Rated G