rise through the ranks

Idioms  

1. Also, rise from the ranks; come up through the ranks. Work one's way to the top, as in He's risen through the ranks, starting as a copyboy and ending up as senior editor. Originally this term was used for an officer who had worked his way up from the rank of private, a rare feat. It was being applied to nonmilitary advances by the mid-1800s. Also see come up, def. 4.

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Example Sentences

Despite this reputation, Miller continued to rise through the ranks of the Unite Party, acquiring more and more power and responsibility, including being appointed to chair the allocations committee.

From Slate • Dec. 18, 2025

He would work to gather information and rise through the ranks by being the best militia member he could be.

From Salon • Jan. 7, 2025

However, the Chargers’ competitive mentality and Colson’s talent suggest he still has a chance to rise through the ranks.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 14, 2024

His rise through the ranks was low-key, having won the IBF title back in 2021 to little fanfare.

From BBC • Dec. 17, 2023

You got to choose the life and then you got to rise through the ranks.

From "How It Went Down" by Kekla Magoon