groom as

groom (someone) as (something)

To prepare or ready someone for a particular role or job. I heard that they're grooming Cara as the next CEO—is that true?
See also: groom
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

groom someone as something

to prepare someone for a job or position. He was grooming his son as his successor. They groomed Charles as the next treasurer.
See also: groom
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • chain of command
  • be had up (for something)
  • catch a tiger by the tail
  • aloof from
  • bring (someone) to heel
  • bring someone to heel
  • bring to heel
  • call (someone) to heel
  • start out at (something or some place)
  • start out at an amount of money
References in classic literature
Sam thought he might as well talk to this groom as to any one else, especially as he was very tired with walking, and there was a good large stone just opposite the wheel-barrow; so he strolled down the lane, and, seating himself on the stone, opened a conversation with the ease and freedom for which he was remarkable.
The Posthumous Papers Of The Pickwick Club