A/the pecking order
noun
A system where group members are ranked according to their status or authority.
In the office, John was low on the pecking order and often got the most tedious tasks.

Often appears as...
- establish a pecking order
- upset the pecking order
noun
A sequence or order of priority or importance in relation to one another.
In soccer, skill is first in the pecking order, followed by speed and physical strength.

Often appears as...
- pecking order of importance
- pecking order in society
noun
A system where group members are ranked according to their status or authority.
In the office, John was low on the pecking order and often got the most tedious tasks.

Often appears as...
- establish a pecking order
- upset the pecking order
noun
A sequence or order of priority or importance in relation to one another.
In soccer, skill is first in the pecking order, followed by speed and physical strength.

Often appears as...
- pecking order of importance
- pecking order in society
Definition 1 of 2

Social Dynamics
The phrase illustrates how people interact based on rank or status in a group.

During team meetings, the pecking order became evident by who spoke the most.
Implicit Control
Indicates an unspoken system controlling behavior and expectations within a group.

Even without a formal structure, there's a clear pecking order among the students.
Observational Clues
Used to describe roles and power positions that become clear through observation.

New employees quickly learn the pecking order by watching who delegates tasks.
Social Dynamics
The phrase illustrates how people interact based on rank or status in a group.

During team meetings, the pecking order became evident by who spoke the most.
Implicit Control
Indicates an unspoken system controlling behavior and expectations within a group.

Even without a formal structure, there's a clear pecking order among the students.
Observational Clues
Used to describe roles and power positions that become clear through observation.

New employees quickly learn the pecking order by watching who delegates tasks.
Social Dynamics
The phrase illustrates how people interact based on rank or status in a group.

During team meetings, the pecking order became evident by who spoke the most.
Implicit Control
Indicates an unspoken system controlling behavior and expectations within a group.

Even without a formal structure, there's a clear pecking order among the students.
Observational Clues
Used to describe roles and power positions that become clear through observation.

New employees quickly learn the pecking order by watching who delegates tasks.
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