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Region: General | Usage example: She has been climbing the ladder steadily.

Climb the ladder

Meaning

Advance in a career or social standing.

Usage

Used for professional progression.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Climbing imagery representing upward mobility.

Used since early 1900s in corporate commentary.

Related Idioms

Climb on the bandwagon

Join a popular trend or movement.

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Life of the party

The most entertaining or energetic person in a social gathering.

More Idioms

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.

Barking up the wrong tree

Accusing or pursuing the wrong person/idea; making a false assumption.