low man on the totem pole

این به معنای فقدان قدرت یا اعتبار در مقایسه با دیگران در یک گروه است.
مثال؛
As the intern, I’m the low man on the totem pole.
In a discussion about workplace dynamics, one might say, “Everyone has to start as the low man on the totem pole and work their way up. ”
A person might express frustration with their position and say, “I’m tired of being the low man on the totem pole. I deserve more recognition for my hard work. ”