English Explanatory Dictionary

high on the totem pole

English dictionary entry

Meanings

adj
  1. Accorded relatively high importance.

Word forms

high on the totem pole higher on the totem pole highest on the totem pole

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.

Antonyms

low on the totem pole
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