work (one's) way up

work (one's) way up

To start at humble or modest beginnings, but rising in position, importance, or influence through hard work and determination. Just look at Johnson if you need proof: He started in the mail room, but worked his way up to one of the top lawyers at the firm. She worked her way up from a small one-woman online business to a media empire that employs thousands around the globe.

See also: up, way, work

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

work one's way up

(to something) Go to work oneself up (to something).

See also: up, way, work

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

ˌwork your way ˈup

start with a badly paid, unimportant job and work hard until you get a well-paid, important job: He’s worked his way up from an office junior to managing director.

See also: up, way, work

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017