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.

---

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

Despite the allegations against him, Mr. McAlpin continued to rise through the ranks of the department, winning Investigator of the Year and eventually being promoted to the top investigator position.

From New York Times • Nov. 30, 2023

Okoro Carroll’s steady rise through the ranks is a lesson in tenacity — and she knows she remains the exception rather than the rule.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 3, 2023

They would rise through the ranks of Messenger, wear their fancy tunics and sashes, and one day, when the time came, they would turn their backs on the outside world to become Executives.

From "The Mysterious Benedict Society" by Trenton Lee Stewart