Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

be at the bottom of the pile / be at the top of the pile

idiomatic expression

bē æt ðə ˈbɒtəm əv ðə paɪl / bē æt ðə tɒp əv ðə paɪl

Definition

To be either at the least favorable position in a situation or the most favorable, respectively.

Examples

After the meeting, I felt like I was at the bottom of the pile in terms of project importance.
After winning the award, she finally felt she was at the top of the pile in the company.

Meaning

These phrases are used to indicate one’s relative position or status among a group or in a process. ‘Be at the bottom of the pile’ suggests being overlooked or least important, while ‘be at the top of the pile’ indicates being the most prominent or prioritized.