pil·lar 
/ˈpɪlɚ/ noun
plural pil·lars /ˈpɪlɚ/ noun [count] 1 : a large post that helps to hold up something (such as a roof) 2 : someone who is an important member of a group — + of ▪ He is a pillar of the church/community. ▪ a pillar of society 3 : a basic fact, idea, or principle of something — + of ▪ a central pillar of the theory ▪ one of the five pillars of Islam ▪ The right to vote is a pillar of democracy. 4 : something that rises into the air in a tall, thin shape
▪ Pillars of smoke rose from the factory. ▪ a pillar of rock
▪ Pillars of smoke rose from the factory. ▪ a pillar of rock
from pillar to post
chiefly Brit : from one place or one situation to another
▪ His book has been passed from pillar to post, but no one wants to publish it. ▪ He has been running from pillar to post his whole life.
▪ His book has been passed from pillar to post, but no one wants to publish it. ▪ He has been running from pillar to post his whole life.
pillar of strength
: someone or something that gives support or help during difficult times
▪ My husband was my/a pillar of strength during my mother's illness. ▪ Religion was his pillar of strength after his wife died.
▪ My husband was my/a pillar of strength during my mother's illness. ▪ Religion was his pillar of strength after his wife died.
