low on the totem pole
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 ar
totem
/ˈtoʊtəm/
noun 5
Collocations
4ADJ.
ancient, animal, bottom, colourful, higher, low, tall
VERB + TOTEM
became, called, carve, flesh, imprinted, let's, lined
TOTEM + NOUN
carver, members, native, pole, poles
PREP.
from, on, with
Definitions
noun
1
Any natural object or living creature that serves as an emblem of a tribe, clan or family; the representation of such an object or creature.
2
The clan whose kinship is defined in reference to such an object or creature.
The totem members were forbidden to eat the flesh of the totem animal, or were allowed to do so only under specific conditions.
These meanings flow from bear-like characteristics imprinted on totem members. Members of the bear clan may have dispositional, cognitive, and physical capabilities similar to those of bear.
3
A symbol or personification.
“She became a totem,” he added. “She became the personification of a particular response to the pandemic, which people in the far-flung margins of the internet and the not so far-flung margins used against her.”
4
An arbitrarily chosen object serving as a reminder to check whether one is awake or not, to aid in having lucid dreams.
The best way to determine if you are dreaming or not is to have a totem in your lucid dreams that does not exist in reality. Inducing yourself is as easy as waking up during the night and practicing as you fall back asleep. Say, "I will be aware I am dreaming while I am dreaming by seeing my totem."
5
A tall object resembling a totem pole.
Out the front of the Drive-in rose the town’s main tourist attraction, a totem of signs to bizarre places with impossible distances such as Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and so on.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & Phrases
high on the totem pole
Accorded relatively high importance.
Example Bank
601
The totem members were forbidden to eat the flesh of the totem animal, or were allowed to do so only under specific conditions.
Wiktionary02
These meanings flow from bear-like characteristics imprinted on totem members. Members of the bear clan may have dispositional, cognitive, and physical capabilities similar to those of bear.
Wiktionary03
“She became a totem,” he added. “She became the personification of a particular response to the pandemic, which people in the far-flung margins of the internet and the not so far-flung margins used ag
Wiktionary04
Totem poles consist of a group of figures that represent animals, birds, fish, mythological beings and supernatural beasts.
Tatoeba · #3829205
These poles, called totem poles, are thought to have been worshipped or constructed for frightening enemies.
Tatoeba · #3829306
What is your totem animal?
Tatoeba · #4892604Usage Notes
i Register
In some senses, totem is marked as figuratively. Watch for register when choosing this word.
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