ladder

at the bottom of the ladder and on the bottom rung (of the ladder)

Fig. at the lowest level of pay and status. (Alludes to the lowness of the bottom rung of a ladder.) Most people start work at the bottom of the ladder. After Ann got fired, she had to start all over again on the bottom rung.

See also: bottom

can't see a hole in a ladder

stupid or drunk. No use asking her questions. She can't see a hole in a ladder. After the big party, Joe needed someone to drive him home. He couldn't see a hole in a ladder.

See also: hole, see

Crosses are ladders that lead to heaven.

Prov. Having to endure trouble can help you to be virtuous. When Mary was diagnosed with cancer, her mother consoled her by saying that crosses are ladders that lead to heaven, and that though she might have to suffer in this world, she would surely be rewarded in the next.

See also: Crosse, heaven, lead

He who would climb the ladder must begin at the bottom.

Prov. If you want to gain high status, you must start with low status and slowly work upwards. Although Thomas hoped to become a famous journalist, he didn't mind working for a small-town newspaper at first. "He who would climb the ladder must begin at the bottom," he said.

See also: begin, bottom, climb, must, who

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at the top of the ladder

in the highest position in an organization He's at the top of the ladder after a long and successful career.

See also: top

the [first/highest/next etc.] rung on the ladder

the first, highest, next etc. position, especially in society or in a job In our society, a nurse is hardly on the same rung of the ladder as a judge. President of the Union at Oxford University was the first rung on the political ladder for him.

See also: rung

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the bottom of the ladder

the lowest rank Because she was just out of college, her job was at the bottom of the ladder.

Opposite of: top of the ladder

See also: bottom

the top of the ladder

the highest level or position After thirty years with the company, he's near the top of the ladder.

Opposite of: the bottom of the ladder

See also: top