greasy pole

Definitions

1. 1

   A sporting event that involves staying on, climbing up, walking over or otherwise…

   A sporting event that involves staying on, climbing up, walking over or otherwise traversing a pole that has been made slippery.

2. 2

   The slippery pole used in the event.

   • The mud was unspeakable. The paths through the beet-fields were simply a succession of lumps, as slippery as a greasy pole, with huge pools everywhere.
3. 3

   The work and scheming that leads to the position of prime minister or other leadership…

   The work and scheming that leads to the position of prime minister or other leadership position.

   • I have climbed to the top of the greasy pole.
   • Merkel sacrificed her “Thatcherite” agenda to get to the top of the greasy pole. One should be careful, however, with explanations that reduce Merkel to a mere tactician.
   • They have strong opinions, which they moderate while climbing up the greasy pole of politics or advancement at work.

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