high on the totem pole
high on the totem pole · higher on the totem pole · highest on the totem pole
Accorded relatively high importanceAccorded relatively high importance.
» He thinks it's completely clear that you're higher on the totem pole.
Meaning
1 senses(idiomatic, offensive, possibly)Accorded relatively high importance.
Examples
1 sentencesHe thinks it's completely clear that you're higher on the totem pole.
Origin
Derived from totem poles, traditional sculptures of wood made by American Indians, usuallyDerived 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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Forms
higher on the totem pole, highest on the totem pole| Comparative | higher on the totem pole Lesson |
|---|---|
| Superlative | highest on the totem pole Lesson |
irregular
Antonyms
1 antonymsLessons for this word
2 lessons- A2Comparatives — Because it has a comparative form
- A2Superlatives — Because it has a superlative form