at the bottom of the ladder

at the bottom of the ladder

Occupying the lowest, most basic position in a given group. Quarks are at the bottom of the ladder in the physical makeup of matter. Tech startups may start at the bottom of the ladder economically, but, given their business model, they have a very high potential for growth.
See also: bottom, ladder, of
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

at the bottom of the ladder

 and on the bottom rung (of the ladder)
Fig. at the lowest level of pay and status. (Alludes to the lowness of the bottom rung of a ladder.) Most people start work at the bottom of the ladder. After Ann got fired, she had to start all over again on the bottom rung.
See also: bottom, ladder, of
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • ladder
  • rung
  • the bottom of the ladder
  • bottom of the ladder
  • the lowest rung of the ladder
  • on the bottom rung (of the ladder)
  • at the top of the ladder
  • at the bottom of the food chain
  • omega male
  • the top of the tree/ladder
References in classic literature
The apprentice begins at the bottom of the ladder and masters the several grades one after the other.
Tramp Abroad
Pudd'nhead was still toiling in obscurity at the bottom of the ladder, under the blight of that unlucky remark which he had let fall twenty-three years before about the dog.
Puddnhead Wilson
At the bottom of the ladder, a door opened, and shut after us immediately with a bang.
20000 Leagues Under The Sea
It was my first descent into the forecastle, and I shall not soon forget my impression of it, caught as I stood on my feet at the bottom of the ladder. Built directly in the eyes of the schooner, it was of the shape of a triangle, along the three sides of which stood the bunks, in double-tier, twelve of them.
The Sea Wolf
A pleasant odour of onions and hot ham, mingled with fried fish and greens, greeted him at the bottom of the ladder; and then the steward came up with an oily smile, and said:
Three Men In A Boat
You have a hierarchy of values; pleasure is at the bottom of the ladder, and you speak with a little thrill of self-satisfaction, of duty, charity, and truthfulness.
Of Human Bondage
'Working as a team, everyone has a role to play, from those at the top to those at the bottom of the ladder,' the NITDA boss said.
I'll Transform NITDA Into A Smart Organisation - DG, Abdullahi
It's a very hard industry to work in, especially when you start at the bottom of the ladder. My advice would be: Don't give up, take all the trainings you can get and educate yourself as much as you can.
Five questions with: Marriott International's CDO for MEA, Jerome Briet
UE's ever-smiling exploits would also make him a viable Mythical Five candidate, the MVP is out of the question since the Red Warriors' 1-12 record put them at the bottom of the ladder, but Pasaol said he'd rather see his teammates happy than receive any individual plaque.
UE's high-scoring forward Pasaol on verge of UAAP history
At the bottom of the ladder was a wooden door that was open and led to the two rooms in solid concrete.
its amazing secrets Suburban back garden gives up of wartime
While it is never recommended to have more than one person on a ladder at a time, have a spotter or base at the bottom of the ladder to hold your position and ensure you're level.
5 ladder safety tips for the holidays, or anytime
The last thing I saw was him falling under the sewage at the bottom of the ladder."
Cousins of Robbie Keane died working in sewer, inquest told
Now I wonder how us people at the bottom of the ladder can manage if they can't.
MPs don't deserve such large pay rise
And those at the bottom of the ladder find their dream of buying pushed even further from their grasp.
Karen Overbury