up the pole

alternative up a pole

1. obsoleteslanggovernmentIn favour or good repute; strait-laced; teetotal.First known use 19th c.
2. informalIn confusion; mistaken.First known use 19th c.
3. informalIn trouble or difficulty.First known use 19th c.

   An' all them joys o' life I 'eld so sweet / Is up the pole.

   1915, C.J. Dennis, The Songs of a Sentimental Bloke, published 1916, page 13

   1 more example

   I think we may take it for granted that our friend Weldon is a bit up the pole financially.

   1932, Dorothy L. Sayers, Have His Carcase

4. archaicslangDrunk.First known use 19th c.
5. slangCrazy; at one's wits' end.First known use 20th c.
6. IrelandinformalPregnant.First known use 20th c.

   You know that red Carlisle girl, Lily? […] Is she up the pole? —Better ask Seymour that.

   1922 February 2, James Joyce, “[Episode 1: Telemachus]”, in Ulysses, Paris: Shakespeare and Company […], →OCLC, part I [Telemachia], page 22