IdiomDaily Life
English
Englishlow man on the totem pole
Meaning: The person of lowest rank.
Example: “As the newest hire, I'm low man on the totem pole.”
Origin: Totem poles are carved by peoples of the Pacific Northwest coast of North America. The phrase, often credited to the American comedian Fred Allen in the 1940s, assumes the bottom figure is the least important, though carvers often gave the lowest figures special importance, so the image is a misunderstanding.
More English idioms
- make the grade To meet standards; to be satisfactory.
- make tracks To leave, usually quickly.
- mark time To wait out one's time by doing the minimum and without progressing.
- method to one's madness Explanation; forethought or logic.
- the Midas touch The ability to make money or to be successful at everything one becomes involved in.
- mind one's own business To not inquire about, become involved in, or interfere with other people's affairs.
Explore another collection: Proverbs
Short sayings of timeless wisdom from more than 50 cultures, each with its meaning and origin.
- Gebranntes Kind scheut das Feuer A bad experience makes you careful not to repeat it.
- Not macht erfinderisch Difficult situations push people to find clever solutions.
- Kommt Zeit, kommt Rat Give it time and the answer will come; no need to decide now.
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