pecking order

The phrase "pecking order" refers to a hierarchical system or social structure in which individuals or groups are ranked or organized based on their relative power, dominance, or authority. It is commonly used to describe animal behavior, particularly in poultry, where birds assert their dominance by pecking or attacking those lower in the hierarchy. In broader contexts, it can also refer to human or organizational dynamics, where individuals or groups establish and maintain their position or status within a social or professional group.