low on the totem pole

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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low on the totem pole

1. (often offensive, idiomatic) Accorded relatively little importance.
   • 1965, 7th of April, Washington Observer, King Defends Alabama Boycott, Answers Critics

     Gaston said, however, that the boycott would not substantially affect Negroes because they are "so low on the totem pole."

   • 2004, Intelligent Systems, translated by Nintendo of America, Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, Nintendo, GameCube, level/area: Rogueport:

     He's new to the Pianta syndicate. I think he's still the low man on the totem pole.

• high on the totem pole