climb the corporate ladder
/klaɪm ðə ˈkɔːrpərət ˈlædər/
Meaning
This expression refers to the process of advancing your career, getting promotions, and moving up to higher-paying or more powerful positions within a company. It carries a neutral connotation of hard work, but can occasionally imply an overly ambitious or competitive work culture.
Examples
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She worked long hours for years to climb the corporate ladder and finally became a director.
She worked long hours for years to climb the corporate ladder and finally became a director.
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Some people are happy in entry-level roles, while others want to climb the corporate ladder as fast as possible.
Some people are happy in entry-level roles, while others want to climb the corporate ladder as fast as possible.
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He realized that climbing the corporate ladder often meant sacrificing his personal life.
He realized that climbing the corporate ladder often meant sacrificing his personal life.
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To climb the corporate ladder in this industry, you need both technical skills and strong networking.
To climb the corporate ladder in this industry, you need both technical skills and strong networking.
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She has no interest in climbing the corporate ladder; she just wants to do her job and go home.
She has no interest in climbing the corporate ladder; she just wants to do her job and go home.
Common Mistakes
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✗ He wants to climb the company ladder.
✓ He wants to climb the corporate ladder.
Although 'company ladder' is occasionally understood, 'corporate ladder' is the standard fixed idiom used in business.
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✗ She is climbing up the corporate ladder.
✓ She is climbing the corporate ladder.
The preposition 'up' is redundant because the verb 'climb' already implies upward movement in this idiomatic phrase.
Related Expressions
Practice
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If you want to ___, you need to show initiative and take on leadership roles.
💡 Advance your career and get promotions within a company.
Show answer
climb the corporate ladder
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She spent ten years trying to ___ before deciding to start her own business.
💡 Move up to higher positions in a corporate hierarchy.
Show answer
climb the corporate ladder