rise through the ranks
Get promoted successively
To rise through the ranks is to advance gradually from a low position to a higher one within an organization, typically through demonstrated competence and time served.
The phrase comes from military hierarchy, where enlisted soldiers may earn promotions to officer status: She rose through the ranks to become CEO.
It emphasizes earned advancement rather than privilege or outside appointment.
- ambitiousStrongly desiring achievement
- climb the ladderGain higher status successively
- promotionRank increase or publicity
- advancementForward movement or promotion
- fast trackAccelerated advancement path
echelon · chain of command · pay your dues · mentorship · progression · career path · elevation · perseverance · seniority · ascension · hierarchy · peer recognition · determination · resilience · climbing · upward mobility · moving up · corner office
rise through the ranksfall from grace
Loss of status or reputation
hit rock bottom · fall from power · crash and burn · wash out · tumble down
rise through the ranksstagnate
Cease to develop
plateau · spin one's wheels · go nowhere · languish · tread water
rises, risen, rising, arises, arising, through, thorough, thoroughly, thoroughness