pole · noun C /poʊl/
pole
C2 a long, thin stick made of wood or metal, often used to hold something up
Dictionary example:
tent poles
Learner example:
It showed two young women in t-shirts and shorts leaning against a big pole stating '90 miles to Cuba'. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; German)
be poles apart
C2 to be complete opposites
Dictionary example:
They are poles apart in their attitudes to religion.
Learner example:
Soho at night seemed to be the nicest place on Earth, poles apart from my home town. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Polish)