B2idiomworkIELTS-friendly
rise through the ranks
USUK
to move up gradually from a low position to a senior one in an organisation
Usually 'rise through the ranks' from the bottom, as in 'from cleaner to chief executive'. Also used in the police and the army. 'The ranks' stays plural.
In context
She started as a waitress and rose through the ranks to become hotel manager.
Many of our directors rise through the ranks, so they know every job in the company.
Common mistake
Incorrect: She rose through the rank to become a manager.
Correct: She rose through the ranks to become a manager.
More idioms about work
- a baptism of firea very difficult first experience of a new job or activity
- a cushy joba job that is easy and pleasant but still pays well
- a dead-end joba job with no chance of promotion or of learning anything new
- a jack of all tradesa person who can do many different kinds of work fairly well
- a labour of lovehard work that you do because you enjoy it or care about it, not for money