At the top/bottom of the heap

phrase

In a position of power or high social ranking.

He started his career as a janitor, but now he's at the top of the heap
Visual representation of "at the top/bottom of the heap" - In a position of power or high social ranking

Often appears as...

  • suddenly at the top of the heap
  • find oneself at the top of the heap

Usage tips

Approving

Idiomatic

phrase

In the most inferior or disadvantageous position.

If the company continues to make poor decisions, they will be at the bottom of the heap soon
Visual representation of "at the top/bottom of the heap" - In the most inferior or disadvantageous position

Often appears as...

  • find oneself at the bottom of the heap
  • fall to the bottom of the heap

Usage tips

Disapproving

Idiomatic

phrase

In a position of power or high social ranking.

He started his career as a janitor, but now he's at the top of the heap
Visual representation of "at the top/bottom of the heap" - In a position of power or high social ranking

Often appears as...

  • suddenly at the top of the heap
  • find oneself at the top of the heap

Usage tips

Approving

Idiomatic

phrase

In the most inferior or disadvantageous position.

If the company continues to make poor decisions, they will be at the bottom of the heap soon
Visual representation of "at the top/bottom of the heap" - In the most inferior or disadvantageous position

Often appears as...

  • find oneself at the bottom of the heap
  • fall to the bottom of the heap

Usage tips

Disapproving

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "at the top/bottom of the heap"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Achievement Image

Recognizes someone's success or high status after a period of hard work.

Illustration for Achievement Image
She was only an intern, but now she is at the top of the heap in her field.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Might Sound Boastful

Using this can imply bragging. Be mindful in modest cultures.

Illustration for Might Sound Boastful
I don't mean to brag, but I'm now at the top of the heap in my department.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Metaphorical Context

It's often used metaphorically to speak about societal or professional hierarchy.

Illustration for Metaphorical Context
In the business world, she quickly rose to the top of the heap.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Achievement Image

Recognizes someone's success or high status after a period of hard work.

Illustration for Achievement Image
She was only an intern, but now she is at the top of the heap in her field.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Might Sound Boastful

Using this can imply bragging. Be mindful in modest cultures.

Illustration for Might Sound Boastful
I don't mean to brag, but I'm now at the top of the heap in my department.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Metaphorical Context

It's often used metaphorically to speak about societal or professional hierarchy.

Illustration for Metaphorical Context
In the business world, she quickly rose to the top of the heap.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Achievement Image

Recognizes someone's success or high status after a period of hard work.

Illustration for Achievement Image
She was only an intern, but now she is at the top of the heap in her field.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Might Sound Boastful

Using this can imply bragging. Be mindful in modest cultures.

Illustration for Might Sound Boastful
I don't mean to brag, but I'm now at the top of the heap in my department.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Metaphorical Context

It's often used metaphorically to speak about societal or professional hierarchy.

Illustration for Metaphorical Context
In the business world, she quickly rose to the top of the heap.
Visual representation of the word "At the top/bottom of the heap"

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