a football team that is close to the bottom of the league tables 接近联盟名次表最末尾的一支足球队

the upper echelons of power 权力的上层

They have managed to gain a foothold in the South American market. 他们设法在南美市场站稳了脚跟。

In that community, being a doctor was a step up on the social ladder. 在那个社会里，当一名医生就是在社会阶梯上升了一级。

another layer of bureaucracy 官僚组织的又一层

The company has achieved a listing on the Stock Exchange. 该公司已成功地在证券交易所上市。

The law firm's pedigree is impeccable. 该律师事务所过去的业绩无可挑剔。

Such behaviour was clearly not acceptable for someone in a position of authority. 这样的行为对一位权威人士来说显然是不能让人接受的。

Quarrels over precedence were inevitable. 关于先后顺序的争吵是在所难免的。

This really only benefits the few at the top of the social pyramid. 这实际上只能使那些处于社会金字塔顶端的少数人受益。

You should respect his seniority if nothing else. 你至少应该尊重他的年长。

Promotion is done strictly on the basis of seniority. 晋升严格以资历为基础进行。

The poor did not envy their betters. 穷人不妒忌比他们更优越的人。

She started as an administrative assistant and worked her way to the top. 她从行政助理做起，一直做到最高层。