As an intern, I am low on the totem pole.
low on the totem pole
idiomAccorded relatively little importance.
Origin
disputed originDerived 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.
Because she is low on the totem pole, she rarely gets to make important decisions at the office.
Despite his years of dedicated service, he remained low on the totem pole, consistently overlooked for promotions in favor of newer, more connected colleagues.
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fly low
To have one's fly (zipper) undone.
- 02
friends in low places
Friends who have underworld connections or are involved in shady underdealings.
- 03
hang low
To droop or sag heavily; to remain at a low altitude.
- 04
high and low
Everywhere; all over the place.
- 05
high on the totem pole
Accorded relatively high importance.
- 06
keep a low profile
To be discreet and quiet.
- 07
lie low
To conceal oneself; to remain hidden.
- 08
low road
A course of action which is undignified, wrongful, or otherwise unseemly.