What does 'from pillar to post' mean? - YouTube

Feifei: Hello and welcome to The English

We Speak. I'm Feifei but where is Rob?

Rob: Sorry, Feifei. I didn't know we were

in this studio today.

Feifei: Yes. Studio 62D.

It says it on this plan.

Rob: Really? The studios and offices are

being refurbished and everything

seems a bit chaotic.

Feifei: As long as we follow the plan

we will be OK. Calm down, Rob.

Are things really that bad?

Rob: Yes! First I sat at my desk

and was told to move to another one.

And then I sat at another desk,

I was told the boss was sitting there...

Feifei: ...so you had to move on.

Rob: Well, of course! And then

when I went to the studio, somebody

was in there, reading the news!

So I was told to find another studio...

Feifei: Yes, yes, I get it, Rob. You could

say you were moved from pillar to post.

Rob: Exactly. You mean, going from

one place to another in a disorganised

and chaotic way?

Feifei: I do. Let's hear some examples

of this phrase in action...

We got moved from pillar to post on our

tour so we started to complain -

it's not what

was promised in the holiday brochure!

As a child, both my parents worked, so I

got dragged from pillar to post trying to

find someone to look after me.

I was passed from pillar to post when

I phoned the bank to try and pay

my credit card bill.

Feifei: This is The English We Speak from

BBC Learning English and

I'm with Rob, who's

been moved from pillar to post.

That means moving from one place

to another in a disorganised

and chaotic way. But, Rob, things

don't have to be chaotic.

Rob: Why's that?

Feifei: If you just follow

the temporary plan. It tells you

where to sit and which studio to use.

Rob: OK. Let's have a look. Right - so we're

meant to be in this studio - 62D.

Feifei: Yes! And where is your desk?

Rob: Err, oh no, my desk is right behind a

pillar! Nobody will be able to see me now.

I'll have nobody to talk to.

Feifei: Oh, I think this office refurbishment

is going to be really good!

Rob: Thanks. Are we at the end

of the programme now?

Feifei: Yes. Bye.

Rob: Bye bye.