General
climb the corporate ladder
What does climb the corporate ladder mean?
To progress through successively higher positions and titles within a company or profession, gaining seniority, pay, and authority along the way.
"He spent a decade climbing the corporate ladder only to realize he wanted off it."
Origin
Long-standing business idiom likening promotions to rungs on a ladder.
Frequently asked questions
What does climbing the corporate ladder mean?
Advancing through higher and higher positions and titles within a company, gaining seniority, pay, and authority along the way.
Where does the phrase come from?
It is a long-standing business idiom that likens promotions to climbing rungs on a ladder.
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