from pillar to post

phrase

: from one place or one predicament to another

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1550, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of from pillar to post was circa 1550

Cite this Entry

“From pillar to post.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/from%20pillar%20to%20post. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster