Meanings
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.
Accorded relatively high importance.
Example Sentences
1
As the CEO of the company, he is high on the totem pole.
2
After many years of hard work, she finally made it high on the totem pole.
3
The senior executives are high on the totem pole and have a lot of power.
4
She started at the bottom but quickly climbed high on the totem pole.
5
He's been with the company for years and is now high on the totem pole.
