high on the totem pole

English

Etymology

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.

Adjective

high on the totem pole

1. (often offensive, idiomatic) Accorded relatively high importance.

Antonyms

• low on the totem pole