The phrase "wast on top of heap" may seem strange at first glance, but the spelling reflects its Old English origins. "Wast" is a variation of "was," and the "a" is pronounced as in "cat" (IPA symbol: æ). The "t" at the end is not pronounced. "Heap" is spelled as it is in Modern English, but the "ea" is pronounced as in "heat" (IPA symbol: iː). Together, the phrase conveys the idea of something being at the highest point of a pile or stack.
"Waste on top of heap" is an idiomatic expression that refers to a situation where something of low value or importance is given higher priority or attention than more valuable or important things. It implies a distorted sense of prioritization or misallocation of resources.
In this context, "waste" refers to something that is deemed unimportant, useless, or of little value. It can be something tangible, such as physical trash or discarded items, or intangible, like time or effort that is considered unnecessary or unproductive.
A "heap" is a pile or collection of things which can be physical, metaphorical, or symbolic. In this case, it represents a collection of various items, tasks, or ideas that require organizing and prioritizing.
When these two concepts are combined, "waste on top of heap" metaphorically describes a situation where something insignificant or trivial is given undue prominence. It signifies a lack of discernment in properly recognizing and addressing more pressing or meaningful matters.
This expression can be used to critique situations where resources, including time, money, or attention, are mismanaged or misdirected. It may be employed to criticize individuals, groups, or organizations that fail to prioritize effectively or allocate resources appropriately, resulting in inefficiencies and neglecting more important concerns.