come up/rise through the ranks
come up through the ranks
To reach a prominent position after serving in subordinate ones. Those employees trust Stu because they know that he came up through the ranks and once held the same entry-level position that they have now.
rise through the ranks
To reach a prominent position after serving in subordinate ones. The employees trust Stu as their manager because they know that he rose through the ranks from the same entry-level position that they have now. The only way you'll rise through the ranks here is by putting in enough time and hard work.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
come up through the ranks
Fig. to rise to a position of leadership by working up through the sequence of lower positions. He came up through the ranks to become a corporate executive. The general came up through the ranks. There is no other way to become a general.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
rise through the ranks
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.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
rise through (or from) the ranks
1 (of a private or a non-commissioned officer) receive a commission. 2 advance from a lowly position in an organization by your own efforts.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
come up/rise through the ˈranks
after starting your career at the bottom or low down in an organization, finally reach a high position in it: The new managing director has come up through the ranks, which is quite unusual these days.In the military, the ranks refers to the position of ordinary soldiers rather than officers. Some may become officers if they have the right qualities.
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017