poles apart Definition

pole¹
noun

1. Either of two points representing the north and south ends of the axis about which the Earth rotates, known as the North Pole and South Pole respectively.
2. astron.
Either of two corresponding points on the celestial sphere, towards which the north and south ends of the Earth's axis point, and about which the stars appear to rotate daily.
3. A magnetic pole.
4. Either of the two terminals of a battery.
5. Either of two opposite positions in an argument, opinion, etc.

Idiom: poles apart

colloq
Widely different; as far apart as it is possible to be.

Etymology: 14c: from Latin polus, from Greek polos axis or pivot.