low on the totem pole
Accorded relatively little importance.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“As an intern, I am low on the totem pole.”
“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.”
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.
- 01
bare poles
The condition of a sailing boat when all of its sails have been taken in.
- 02
fly low
To have one's fly (zipper) undone.
- 03
friends in low places
Friends who have underworld connections or are involved in shady underdealings.
- 04
hang low
To droop or sag heavily; to remain at a low altitude.
- 05
high and low
Everywhere; all over the place.
- 06
high on the totem pole
Accorded relatively high importance.
- 07
keep a low profile
To be discreet and quiet.
- 08
lie low
To conceal oneself; to remain hidden.
Last updated August 10, 2026