It's a relatively common (although a little old-fashioned) and familiar term in the U.S. Another related phrase would be: 'Top of the totem pole' (Which gets a snicker from anyone who knows anything about totem poles.) cool

Big Apricot Superman Movieverse
The World of Lois & Clark
Richard White to Lois Lane: Lois, Superman is afraid of you. What chance has Clark Kent got? - After the Storm