The idiom "pecking order" refers to a hierarchy or ranking system within a group or organization. It is often used to describe the social structure of animals, particularly birds, where the dominant bird gets to eat first and the weaker ones have to wait their turn.
In human terms, the pecking order can refer to the ranking of individuals in a workplace, social group, or any other setting where there is a clear hierarchy. For example, in a company, the CEO is at the top of the pecking order, followed by the senior management team, then the middle managers, and finally the entry-level employees.
The term "pecking order" can also be used to describe the power dynamics in a group of friends or acquaintances. For instance, if a group of friends always let one person make the decisions and everyone else follows along, that person is at the top of the pecking order.
Overall, the idiom "pecking order" is used to describe a system of hierarchy or ranking, where some individuals or groups have more power or influence than others.
• In the animal kingdom, there is always a pecking order where the strongest and most dominant animals get the most food.
• In the office, there is a pecking order where the boss holds the most power and the employees have to follow his or her instructions.
• In the academic world, scholars are ranked in a pecking order based on their contributions to their field of study and the impact of their research.
• In school, there is a clear pecking order where the popular kids sit at the front of the class and the nerds sit at the back.
• In the fashion industry, models are ranked in a pecking order based on their popularity and demand.
• In the political world, there is a complex pecking order where leaders of powerful countries hold the most influence and control over global affairs.
• In the animal kingdom, the pecking order determines everything from mating rights to access to resources, and it's fascinating to observe the complex social dynamics at play.
• The chickens have a pecking order, with the alpha hen always getting to eat first.
• In many cultures, there is a clear pecking order within families, with the eldest son given the most respect.
• Even within the world of high fashion, there is a pecking order, with the elite brands and designers holding the most prestige.
• As a new employee, I had to learn the pecking order in the office and make sure to defer to those with more seniority.
• The political parties in the country have a well-defined pecking order, with the ruling party at the top and the smaller opposition parties at the bottom.