high on the totem pole
Accorded relatively high importance.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Safety is high on the totem pole for this company.”
“Because the project deadline is next week, finishing the report is high on the totem pole for our team.”
“In a competitive industry where efficiency dictates success, reducing operational costs remains high on the totem pole for the board of directors.”
Derived from totem poles, traditional sculptures of wood made by American Indians, usually with several figures carved one above the other. The vertical order was mistakenly perceived by the non-Indians to correspond with the figures' rank of importance.
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bare poles
The condition of a sailing boat when all of its sails have been taken in.
- 02
come hell or high water
Regardless of the hardships; no matter what difficulties may arise.
- 03
friends in high places
Friends who have authority or influence and who can ensure that one's interests will be protected or furthered.
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get high
To intoxicate oneself with drugs or other substances.
- 05
get off one's high horse
To stop acting in an imperious, overbearing or bossy manner.
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hell or high water
Highly adverse circumstances; acts of God.
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high and dry
Abandoned, stranded, helpless.
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high and low
Everywhere; all over the place.
Last updated August 10, 2026