at the top of the food chain

at the top of the food chain

At or occupying the position of most importance or influence in a social, corporate, or political hierarchy. Some high school seniors revel in the fact that they are now at the top of the food chain, using their newfound and largely imaginary authority to boss around younger students.
See also: chain, food, of, top
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • at the bottom of the food chain
  • low on the totem pole
  • high man on the totem pole
  • totem
  • low man on the ladder
  • low man on the totem pole
  • the low man on the totem pole
  • the lowest rung on the ladder
  • beta male
  • succeed to (something)
References in periodicals archive
Wind farms act as a top "predator" in some ecosystems, harming birds at the top of the food chain and triggering a knock-on effect overlooked by green energy advocates, scientists said Monday.
Wind farm 'predator' effect hits ecosystems: study
Steps to ban chemicals known as PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) were first made 40 years ago but they remain a deadly threat to the mammals at the top of the food chain.
Chemical threat to killer whales
Steps to ban chemicals, known as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), were first made 40 years ago, but they remain a deadly threat to the mammals at the top of the food chain.
Pollution threat to the orca population
Steps to ban chemicals - known as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) - were first made 40 years ago, but they remain a deadly threat to the mammals at the top of the food chain.
Killer whale populations under threat from plastic
This has led to PCBs seeping into the oceans, where they present a particular risk to marine mammals at the top of the food chain like orcas.
Know how chemical pollution affects whales
SOME MAY FORGET WHO IS AT THE TOP OF THE FOOD CHAIN. WE NEVER WILL.
At The Top
"Humans are at the top of the food chain, so both microplastics and the contaminants can potentially reach us."
Brazil carnival revellers warned that all that glitters is not good for the planet
They sit comfortably at the top of the food chain in these parts - but here they are eating peanuts out of the hand of our guide while we watch safely from the comfort of a viewing platform.
WILD at heart; JOE RIMMER finds wonder and wildlife in Canada as the country celebrates 150 years
If you're overfishing at the top of the food chain, and acidifying the ocean at the bottom, you're creating a squeeze that could conceivably collapse the whole system.
Leadership and Business Wisdom - MAKING COST-CONTROL PERMANENT
We are focusing our attention on those at the top of the food chain and those responsible for bringing it into the city and selling it on our streets.
Three arrested as police swoop on 'lethal highs' CRACKDOWN SEES POLICE TARGET 'TOP OF THE DRUGS FOOD CHAIN'
Brown bears are at the top of the food chain in Alaska, so they can feast without worrying about predators.
Eats ninety pounds of food a day!
For while there might be green shoots at the top of the food chain, the situation lower down isn't anything like as jolly.
Racing revival only for the chosen few; STEAMING
TRUE: The great white is at the top of the food chain and has few threats in the ocean.
National Shark Awareness Day: 10 things you're told about sharks and whether they're true or false; We uncover ten myths you're told about sharks and tell you whether they're true or false
The chemicals along with the tiny oil particles are more readily ingested by microorganisms and marine animals, and can eventually impact humans who are at the top of the food chain. And here is the real kicker - the chemicals and oil particles have an impact on the reproductive capabilities of animals and birds, leading to defects in their offspring.
The Impact Of An Oil Spill
"The JS500 is designed to be at the top of the food chain, and is able to meet the most demanding needs," he concluded.
Mannai launches JCB\\ s 50-tonne excavator in Qatar