Pole at work may be so smeared! (6)
I believe the answer is:
greasy
'smeared' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are adjectives. Perhaps you can see an association between them that I don't see?
I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for greasy that I've seen before include "Unctuous or ingratiating" , "Slippery" , "Like the pole that is hard to climb" , "Oily in manner, covered with lubricant" , "well-lubricated" .)