0464 Climb the ladder - English Idioms

Explanation

To advance progressively through higher positions, ranks, or levels of seniority within one's career, organization, or field.
Often implies ambition, steady upward progress, and achieving greater status or responsibility.

Origin

A classic and straightforward metaphor.
Society, organizations, and careers are often visualized as hierarchical structures.
A ladder provides a clear image of step-by-step upward movement. Each rung represents a higher position, level, or status.
Climbing implies the effort and progression needed to move upwards in this structure. This metaphor for social and career advancement is very old and widespread.

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

Making moves (General term for advancing, achieving success)
Leveling up (From video games; signifies advancing to the next stage/rank)
Bossing up / Being a boss (Taking charge, achieving higher status emphasizes power/autonomy)
On the up and up (Progressing successfully)

More Formal:

Ascend the organizational/corporate hierarchy
Achieve successive levels of seniority
Pursue career advancement
Follow a trajectory of promotion

Situational Appropriateness

Very common, standard idiom for career advancement.
Appropriate in nearly all contexts, from informal chat to semi-formal business discussions.
In highly formal written reports, more neutral terms like career progression or advancement might be slightly preferred, but the idiom is widely acceptable.

Misunderstanding Warnings

The metaphor is very clear and commonly understood. Little risk of misunderstanding its meaning of career advancement.

Examples

She joined the company as an intern and quickly started climbing the ladder.
His main goal is to climb the ladder and become a senior executive.
Many people wonder if the traditional path of climbing the corporate ladder is still relevant today.

Dialogue

Friend 1: I saw on LinkedIn that Maya got promoted to Director.

Friend 2: Wow, already? She's really climbing the ladder fast at that tech company.

Friend 1: Totally. She's always been super ambitious and strategic about her career moves.

Friend 2: Seems like it's paying off for her.

Response Patterns

Acknowledgement/Admiration: Good for them!, That's impressive progress., They seem very driven.
Curiosity: What's their current role?, Where do they hope to get to?
Reflection/Opinion: Is that kind of ambition healthy?, Some people prioritize that climb, others prefer different paths.

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

After mentioning someone is climbing the ladder:

Inquiring about their career trajectory: How did they get promoted so fast?, What are their long-term goals?
Discussing the nature of ambition: What drives them?, Is it worth the sacrifices?
Comparing career paths: Is that the only way to succeed in that field?

Conversation Starter

No. Typically used when discussing someone's career, ambition, or progress within an organization or field.

Intonation

Can be spoken neutrally, or with a tone reflecting ambition, admiration, or sometimes skepticism about the goal itself.
Emphasis usually on climb and ladder.
He's very focused on CLIMBING the LADDER.

Generation Differences

Universally understood.
However, the *desirability* or *assumption* that everyone wants to climb the traditional corporate ladder might be questioned more by younger generations (Millennials, Gen Z), who may prioritize different career values (e.g., work-life balance, impact, skill development over hierarchical status). The phrase itself is understood, but its implied goal isn't universally shared.

Regional Variations

Common and instantly recognizable across all English-speaking regions.

Throw under the bus

🎲 Office politics

[0464] Climb the ladder