high on the totem pole
Near the top
High on the totem pole describes a position of importance, authority, or prestige within a hierarchy: She's pretty high on the totem pole at that firm.
The phrase assumes that figures carved higher on a totem pole represent greater status—a common misconception, since traditional totem poles don't necessarily work that way.
Still, the metaphor persists in everyday speech about organizational rank and influence.
Greatly respected, admired
- distinguishedNotable and respected
- eminentHigh in rank, respected
- renownedWidely known and esteemed
- respectedHeld in high regard
revered · honored · celebrated · acclaimed · illustrious · venerable · reputable · prestigious
Rank from length of service
- rankPosition in hierarchy
- standingPosition, physical or social
- positionLocation or stance
- cloutInformal power or punch
influence · power · authority · eminence · prominence · precedence · superiority · ascendancy
esteemed
Greatly respected, admired
- distinguishedNotable and respected
- eminentHigh in rank, respected
- renownedWidely known and esteemed
respected · revered · honored · celebrated · acclaimed · illustrious · venerable · reputable · prestigious · admired
seniority
Rank from length of service
clout · influence · power · authority · eminence · prominence · precedence · superiority · ascendancy · privilege
influential
Having considerable effect
pivotal · significant · powerful · dominant · foremost · paramount · elite · consequential · weighty · major
senior
Higher in rank
leader · boss · manager · supervisor · head · authority · commander · captain · principal · superintendent
high on the totem polelow on the totem pole
Lowest in hierarchy
bottom rung · lowest of the low · bottom of the barrel · junior · subordinate
high on the totem polepowerless
Lacking strength or authority
impotent · second fiddle · uninfluential · ineffectual · disenfranchised
high on the totem poleunimportant
Lacking significance or weight
insignificant · low priority · overlooked · expendable · small potatoes
higher, highest, highly, highness, totem, totems, totemic, totemism