kick upstairs
verb
(tr, adverb) informal to promote to a nominally higher but effectively powerless position
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Words nearby kick upstairs
kick the habit, kick turn, kickup, kick up a fuss, kick up one's heels, kick upstairs, kickwheel, kicky, kid, kid around, Kidd
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Idioms and Phrases with kick upstairs
kick upstairs
Promote someone to a higher but less desirable position, especially one with less authority. For example, Paul never forgave the company for kicking him upstairs at age 55. This expression alludes to its antonym, kick downstairs, simply meaning “eject.” [Mid-1900s]
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
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