C1idiomnatureIELTS-friendly
the pecking order
USUK
the order of importance or power among people in a group
From hens, which peck each other to show rank. Often 'at the top/bottom of the pecking order'.
In context
As the newest employee, I'm at the bottom of the pecking order.
In big families, the pecking order decides who sits where at Tet dinner.
More idioms about nature
- a big fish in a small pondan important person, but only in a small group or place
- a bird's-eye viewa view of something from high above
- a breath of fresh airsomeone or something new and different that makes a situation more pleasant
- a dark horsea person with hidden talents, or a competitor nobody expected to do well
- a drop in the oceana very small amount compared with what is needed