low on the totem pole
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English[edit]
Etymology[edit]
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.
Pronunciation[edit]
Audio (AU) (file)
Adjective[edit]
low on the totem pole
- (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."
- 1965, 7th of April, Washington Observer, King Defends Alabama Boycott, Answers Critics
Antonyms[edit]
Translations[edit]
not important
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