bottom of the ladder

the bottom of the ladder

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.

bottom of the ladder

Lowest or most junior position in a hierarchy. For example, If we hire you, you'll have to begin at the bottom of the ladder. The rungs of a ladder have been likened to a step-wise progression since the 14th century. Also see low man on the totem pole.
See also: bottom, ladder, of
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
See also:
  • the bottom of the ladder
  • at the bottom of the ladder
  • ladder
  • rung
  • the lowest rung of the ladder
  • on the bottom rung (of the ladder)
  • at the top of the ladder
  • the top of the ladder
  • the top of the tree/ladder
  • the social ladder
References in classic literature
"But they will run against the bottom of the ladder."
Near the bottom of the ladder, when he found no more support for his feet, he clung with his hands; at length, arrived at the last step, he let himself hang by the strength of his wrists, and touched the ground.
Three Musketeers
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
The bottom of the ladder rested on a narrow ledge paved with what felt like large round stones, but what he knew from experience to be human skulls.
Out of Times Abyss
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
But there I had to begin all over again, and at the very bottom of the ladder. I slept in the streets.
Raffles Further Adventures Of The Amateur Cracksman
'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
As for the team's offensive conductor, Lai Bendong said UE getting three wins was already an achievement since it's been nearly half a decade that the Lady Warriors were consistently at the bottom of the ladder.
Steady and progress carries Lady Warriors out of cellar
He has added another rung to the bottom of the ladder.
Cheetham is producing a tour de force; Talking golf matthew turnock 2018 england golf coach of the year