ladder

at the bottom of the ladder

Occupying the lowest, most basic position in a given group. Quarks are at the bottom of the ladder in the physical makeup of matter. Tech startups may start at the bottom of the ladder economically, but, given their business model, they have a very high potential for growth.
See also: bottom, ladder, of

at the top of the ladder

In the highest or most important position in a group or organization. With her new promotion, Jill is now at the top of the ladder as CEO.
See also: ladder, of, top

can't see a hole in a ladder

1. Is stupid or dimwitted. Don't give Randy that important project—he can't see a hole in a ladder!
2. Is drunk. Don't buy him any more drinks—he already can't see a hole in a ladder.
See also: hole, ladder, see

climb (up) the ladder

To become increasingly powerful or successful. You need to climb the ladder a bit before you start taking on your own clients. I'm an artist at heart, so I have no interest in climbing up the corporate ladder.
See also: climb, ladder

climb the social ladder

To improve one's position within the hierarchical structure or makeup of a culture, society, or social environment. Miss Dumfey hopes to climb the social ladder by marrying the local diplomat. John's had a chip on his shoulder from being raised in a trailer park, so climbing the social ladder has been his only aim since leaving home.
See also: climb, ladder, social

corporate ladder

The hierarchy of authority and earning power within a large business or corporation, likened to the rungs of a ladder. Usually used with some variable verb or phrase referring to ascension. Although you're starting at an entry-level position, this company prides itself on giving employees the opportunity to climb the corporate ladder if they prove their abilities and determination. She proved early on that she had unique business smarts, and she's been making her way up the corporate ladder ever since.
See also: corporate, ladder

crosses are ladders that lead to heaven

proverb Suffering through difficult times can make one righteous or virtuous. A: "It's amazing that she's so willing to help others after all the trauma she's endured in her own life." B: "Well, crosses are ladders that lead to heaven."
See also: crosse, heaven, ladder, lead, that

he who would climb the ladder must begin at the bottom

proverb To attain more power or success, one must gradually work up to it from a position of comparative insignificance. Nobody becomes famous overnight—he who would climb the ladder must begin at the bottom.
See also: begin, bottom, climb, he, ladder, must, who

kick (someone or something) down the ladder

To force someone or something into a lower or more basic position or status, especially one with fewer opportunities for success, profit, advancement, etc. They may be at the top of the league now, but a few losses will kick them down the ladder just as fast as they got up there. My promotion to management lasted less than a month before they kicked me back down the ladder. Originally meant to be a full-fledged film with a theatrical release, it was eventually kicked down the ladder to a TV miniseries.
See also: down, kick, ladder

low man on the ladder

The person (not necessarily male) with the least amount of experience, authority, and/or influence in a social or corporate hierarchy. It can be a little daunting going from being a senior in high school to low man on the ladder again as a college freshman. I know I'll be low man on the ladder with this internship, but it will at least give me a place to start my career!
See also: ladder, low, man, on

on the bottom rung (of the ladder)

1. Occupying the most basic or fundamental position in a given group. Quarks are on the bottom rung of the ladder when it comes to matter's physical makeup. We'll need to start getting supplies ready. On the bottom rung are the standard things—pens, paper, folders, that sort of thing.
2. Occupying the lowest position in a hierarchy, as in terms of power, influence, respect, etc. Tech startups may start on the bottom rung economically, but, given their business model, they have a very high potential for growth. Warehouse workers are on the bottom rung of the ladder, so we're often not treated with as much respect as those working desk jobs.
See also: bottom, on, rung

snakes and ladders

A children's board game in which players try to reach the finish while encountering ladders that move them quickly forward, and snakes that force them back near the start. My little sister loves to play snakes and ladders, but I find it so frustrating because I always seem to land on snakes!
See also: and, ladder, snake

the bottom of the ladder

The lowest, most basic position in a given group. Quarks are at the bottom of the ladder in the physical makeup of matter. Tech startups may start at the bottom of the ladder economically, but, given their business model, they have a very high potential for growth.
See also: bottom, ladder, of

the first/top rung on the ladder

The top or superior position in a particular field or arena. The first rung on the ladder in this school is captain of the football team.
See also: first, ladder, on, rung, top

the lowest rung of the ladder

The lowest, most basic position in a given group. Quarks are at the lowest rung of the ladder in the physical makeup of matter. Tech startups may start on the lowest rung of the ladder economically, but, given their business model, they have a very high potential for growth.
See also: ladder, low, of, rung

the lowest rung on the ladder

The person with the least amount of experience, authority, and/or influence in a social or corporate hierarchy. It can be a little daunting going from being a senior in high school to the lowest rung of the ladder again as a college freshman. I know I'll be the lowest rung on the ladder with this internship, but it will at least give me a place to start my career!
See also: ladder, low, on, rung

the social ladder

The hierarchical structure or makeup of a culture, society, or social environment. Miss Dumfey hopes to improve her standing on the social ladder with a marriage to the baron. It's always hard for high school freshmen to find their place on the social ladder. Mary's had a chip on her shoulder from being raised in a trailer park, so climbing the social ladder has been her only aim since leaving home.
See also: ladder, social

the top of the ladder

The highest position or level in an organization, field, etc. Don't think you're going to reach the top of the ladder right out of college. It takes time to work your way up.
See also: ladder, of, top
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

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, ladder, of

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, ladder, 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, ladder, lead, that

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, he, ladder, must, who
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

bottom of the ladder

Lowest or most junior position in a hierarchy. For example, If we hire you, you'll have to begin at the bottom of the ladder. The rungs of a ladder have been likened to a step-wise progression since the 14th century. Also see low man on the totem pole.
See also: bottom, ladder, of
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

climb up the ladder

or

climb the ladder

If you climb up the ladder or climb the ladder, you become more and more successful or important. There's no need for the sort of competitive behaviour you get at companies where people are trying to climb up the ladder. He became the first man to climb the social ladder from a log cabin to the White House. Note: You can also say that someone moves up the ladder. If you think you can do more than you are doing in your present position, you owe it to yourself to make the effort to move up the ladder.
See also: climb, ladder, up
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

kick someone down the ladder

reject or disown the friends or associates who have helped you to rise in the world, especially with the idea of preventing them from attaining a similar position.
See also: down, kick, ladder, someone
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

(at) the top of the ˈtree/ˈladder

(at) the highest position in a career: Anyone can get to the top of the ladder if they try hard enough.
See also: ladder, of, top, tree
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • at the bottom of the ladder
  • rung
  • the bottom of the ladder
  • bottom of the ladder
  • the lowest rung of the ladder
  • on the bottom rung (of the ladder)
  • at the top of the ladder
  • at the bottom of the food chain
  • omega male
  • the top of the tree/ladder
References in classic literature
If there had not been that ladder under the window; if there had not been those footprints on the carpet in the gallery; if there had not been that open window, I might have been led to think that this man had a right to be there, and that he was there as a matter of course and for reasons about which as yet I knew nothing.
"Having so placed my people, I again left the chateau, hurried to my ladder, and, replacing it, climbed up, revolver in hand.
The Mystery of the Yellow Room
"You see now what I mean about the ladder," went on the detective; "it's the only old piece of furniture here and the first thing that caught that cockney eye of mine.
He got briskly off the table on which he was sitting (for the only chair was allotted to Sir Walter) and ran rapidly up the ladder to the platform above.
Sir Walter's private secretary seemed more and more threatened with inappropriate slumber, and, having been the last to climb up the ladder, seemed now to lack the energy even to climb down again.
The Man Who Knew Too Much
Bazin uttered a profound sigh and went out to look for the ladder. Presently a good, solid, wooden ladder was placed against the window.
Besides, at that moment he put his foot on the first step of the ladder and began his descent.
They descended into the plain by the ladder. Planchet met them hard by the shed.
Twenty Years After
The man in the water began suddenly to climb up the ladder, and I hastened away from the rail to fetch some clothes.
"But all this doesn't tell me how you came to hang on to our side ladder," I inquired, in the hardly audible murmurs we used, after he had told me something more of the proceedings on board the Sephora once the bad weather was over.
"Who'd have thought of finding a ladder hanging over at night in a ship anchored out here!
Secret Sharer
A few yards from the storeroom a ladder rose from the corridor through an aperture in the ceiling.
In conformity with such Wieroo architecture as he had already observed, the well through which the ladder rose continually canted at an angle from the perpendicular.
"Come!" And he turned toward the shaft and the ladder that he had ascended from the river.
Out of Times Abyss
There is no telling how long Kit might have stood upon the ladder, addressing his master and mistress by turns, and generally turning towards the wrong person, if Barbara had not at that moment come running up to say that a messenger from the office had brought a note, which, with an expression of some surprise at Kit's oratorical appearance, she put into her master's hand.
The Old Curiosity Shop