# low on the totem pole

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/low-on-the-totem-pole
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Accorded relatively little importance.

## Examples

- 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.

## Origin

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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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.