When one formerly in a position of weakness or subservience gains power or dominance over his former oppressor. Originally referred to the idea of black slaves gaining power over their ex-owners in the wake of the US Civil War.
A freed black slave in the Union Army saw his ex-owner being led away in chains as a prisoner and said to him, "Hello massa, bottom rail on top this time."
Olde-timey phrase, most commonly referring to the act of literally carrying someone perched uncomfortably on a rail to a point outside of the city limits. This was often a form of punishment for committing any act others thought was extremely bad. It is still sometimes used in the Southern states.
Doctor:What did she take?
Friend:These, Dexamil. Supposed to cure drinkin'
Doctor: Alan T. Whitman, M.D. That man ought to be run out of town on a rail.
1. Totally clueless. 2. Willfully and proudly ignorant. 3. Out of touch with reality.
"His entire life, especially in public office, with a record of bad decisions, inability to form coherent unscripted sentences, coupled with that self-satisfied smirk, all prove he's usung a rubber wheel on the third rail."