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

And, having never lost his enthusiasm and creativity during that precipitate rise through the ranks of BBC senior management, he had a special bond with many of those he interviewed.

From BBC

Crowley has typically sidestepped questions about sexism or bullying in her own rise through the ranks, saying she had an intrinsic sense of how to deal with men who hassled her on the job.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Salon

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

From Los Angeles Times