The phrase "low person on the totem pole" is a common metaphor used to describe the position of someone who has little influence or power in an organization or social hierarchy. There are many synonyms for this phrase, including "bottom rung," "bottom of the ladder," "low man on the totem pole," "small fry," "grunt," "peon," "underling," "lackey," "minion," "flunky," "foot soldier," "cog in the machine," and "scapegoat." These terms all refer to someone who is considered to be at the bottom of the organizational or social hierarchy, with little authority or voice in decision-making processes.