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.

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.

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.

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.

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.