heap (redirected from heap upon)

at the bottom of the heap/pile

in a worse situation than anyone else in a group of people. Those at the bottom of the heap feel that society has failed them. The homeless are at the bottom of the pile with little hope of improving their situation.

See also: bottom, pile

be on the scrap heap

throw someone/something on the scrap heap - to get rid of someone or something that is not wanted or needed any more. These kids are on the scrap heap as soon as they leave school.

See also: scrap

fall in a heap (Australian, informal)

to lose control of your feelings and start to cry. The case collapsed when the main witness fell in a heap and was escorted from the court.

See also: fall

throw someone/something on the scrap heap (informal)

to get rid of someone or something that is not wanted or needed any more. Many people over forty who can't find a job feel they've been thrown on the scrap heap. (usually passive)

See also: scrap, throw

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the bottom of the heap

the lowest rank within a group. Being near the bottom of the heap, the company has nowhere to go but up. Those at the bottom of the heap feel that no one cares about them.

the top of the heap

See also: bottom

heap something on someone/something

to express a strong opinion about someone or something. Other leaders heaped praise on the president at the meeting.

Usage notes: often heap scorn on someone or something to express a strong lack of respect: He heaped scorn on those who thought the plan would work.

on the scrap heap

in a place for things that are not wanted any more. Congress is threatening to throw the president's budget on the scrap heap.

Etymology: from the literal meaning of scrap heap (= a pile of things that are no longer wanted)

See also: scrap

the top of the heap

the highest rank within a group. How does Stephen plan to keep the company at the top of the heap?

Usage notes: often used in the form at the top of the heap, as in the example

the bottom of the heap

See also: top