at the bottom of the food chain

at the bottom of the food chain

At or occupying the position of least importance or influence in a social, corporate, or political hierarchy. As an intern, you're always at the bottom of the food chain, so be prepared to do whatever anyone else tells you to do.
See also: bottom, chain, food, of
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • at the top of the food chain
  • beta male
  • delusion
  • delusions of grandeur
  • on the way up
  • below the salt
  • beneath the salt
  • above the salt
  • promote
  • promote (one) from (something) to (something else)
References in periodicals archive
Because hatchlings released are at the bottom of the food chain, only a small fraction survives to be adults.
American crocodiles thriving outside nuclear plant
"Right now we're at the bottom of the food chain," he said.
After early struggles, Aegis Mechanical Corp. building on success
For those in the D and E classes of our society, the latest inflation rate effectively translates to a higher percentage because being at the bottom of the food chain, they wind up paying for all the incremental expenses in the production and delivery of basic commodities to them.
Annus horribilis
It's analogous to a shark cruising the ocean, giving no thought to the zooplankton at the bottom of the food chain. However, without those microscopic organisms the tiny baitfish don't survive, and without the baitfish the larger fish disappear and the shark has nothing to eat.
At The Top
"Micro-algae is at the bottom of the food chain and is eaten by fish, which are consequently rich in omega-3, so we knew it was a good source," she said.
Algae-fed cows can be disease busters; Caernarfon boffin hopes to revolutionise diets
At the bottom of the food chain are the aspiring young actors or jockeys.
Much changed but bullying is not in the past
Us poor shmucks at the bottom of the food chain are having a tough time of it so please keep your rapacious tentacles tucked away, at least until December 10!
Too early for the Christmas [...]; Get in touch - tell us what you think Email: letters@birminghammail.co.uk Twitter: @birminghammail Facebook: facebook.com/birminghammail Post: Birmingham Mail, Floor 6, Fort Dunlop, Fort Parkway, B24 9FF
First I would probably place men at the bottom of the food chain. On a grander scale, I would say they're reacting to change.
Leadership and Business Wisdom - MAKING COST-CONTROL PERMANENT
Likewise for the silverfish, Antarctic krill and crystal krill at the bottom of the food chain. This is a very complex ecology, and we've just begun to study it.
The last intact sea
Ants are also at the bottom of the food chain, serving as a vital food source for birds and other small animals.
Get ready for flying ant day; NEWS WIRE
It does break down, but only into tiny, invisible pieces, which are ingested by creatures right down at the bottom of the food chain.
MATTER OF FACT; RACHAEL MISSTEAR
(plankton) Plankton is at the bottom of the food chain. Move it to the bottom of the board.
Owl invasion! Snowy owls show up in the U.S. in surprising numbers
And if the meals for those down at the bottom of the food chain was dire there was also the problem of poorly ventilated Kitchens and sleeping in airless cupboards.
Hatred of the upper classes