low on the totem pole
Lacking organizational influence
Low on the totem pole means having little power, status, or seniority within a hierarchy: As a new hire, I'm pretty low on the totem pole around here.
The phrase misunderstands actual totem poles, where placement doesn't necessarily indicate rank, but the metaphor has stuck in American English for describing someone near the bottom of an organizational pecking order.
- bottom rungLowest position on hierarchy
- small fryChildren or insignificant people
- small potatoesInsignificant things or people
- undervaluedRated below true worth
- peonIndentured low-status worker
underling · subordinate · junior · entry level · minion · pecking order · second fiddle · back seat · chain of command · inferior · caste · rank and file · plebeian · bottom of the barrel · rookie · new kid on the block · hierarchy · marginalized
low on the totem polehigh on the totem pole
Having high status
top dog · at the top · king of the hill · big cheese · head honcho
low on the totem polein charge
Having authority over
running the show · calling the shots · in the driver's seat · at the helm · pulling the strings