at the bottom/top of the pile/heap

at the bottom of the heap

In the worst or lowest position in a group. As far as our government is concerned, kids born into poverty are just at the bottom of the heap, perpetually ignored.See also: bottom, heap, of

at the top of the heap

In a position of total or complete superiority; in a place or position above all others one is or was competing with. To think that I started in the company mail room 10 years ago—now I'm at the top of the heap! The champions end the season at the top of the heap yet again, despite being counted out for much of the year.See also: heap, of, top

at the top (or bottom) of the heap

(of a person) at the highest (or lowest) point of a society or organization.See also: heap, of, top

at the bottom/top of the ˈpile/ˈheap

(informal) in a low/high position in society: You’ve no idea what life at the bottom of the pile is like, have you? When do you ever talk to ordinary people?See also: bottom, heap, of, pile, top