move up in the world: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘move up in the world’ mean?
The idiom "move up in the world" means to improve one's social or economic status, typically by gaining wealth, success, or achieving a higher position or social standing.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "social ladder" refers to the hierarchical ranking of individuals based on their social status. It implies the idea of climbing up the ladder to gain higher social standing or prestige within a society.
The idiom "raise the bar" means to set a higher standard or expectation for something, often with the intention of encouraging improvement or achieving a higher level of performance.
Put on the map is an idiom that means to gain recognition or become well-known. It refers to the act of bringing something or someone into public attention, making them more notable or important.
'Pull rank' is an idiom that means to use one's higher rank or position of authority to gain an advantage or to assert dominance over someone else.
The idiom "pull one's socks up" means to make an effort to improve or do better in a particular situation.
The idiom "pull ahead" means to move forward or make progress in a competition or race. It signifies gaining an advantage or surpassing others in the pursuit of a particular goal or objective.
"Point up" is an idiom that means to highlight or emphasize something, typically to draw attention to its importance or significance.
The idiom "move through the gears" means to progressively increase speed or intensity, usually from a slower or lower level to a faster or higher level.
The idiom "move the needle" means to make a significant impact or achieve noticeable progress in a particular situation or goal.
Unforgettable Insights into Success
The idiom "move up in the world" is a common phrase in the English language. It describes someone's upward social or financial mobility. It implies that a person has improved their social standing or achieved a higher level of success.
The origin of this idiom is not definitively known. Idioms often evolve naturally in language over time without clear documentation of their beginnings. However, it is believed to have originated in the early 20th century, with earlier variations appearing in the late 19th century. The phrase draws on the metaphor of "moving" in a literal sense, indicating a physical change of location or position, and applies it to a metaphorical sense of social or economic progress.
One theory suggests that the idiom may have originated from the hierarchical nature of society. Upper-class individuals were often found in elevated positions physically, such as living on higher floors of buildings or having more prestigious addresses. Therefore, a person "moving up" in society would physically ascend to a higher position, reflecting their increased status or wealth. However, this theory is speculative and lacks concrete evidence to support it.
The idiom "move up in the world" is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. It is widely recognized and accepted phrase in the English language. It is frequently employed when discussing personal achievements, career advancements, financial success, or social mobility.
While the idiom specifically refers to upward movement and progress, it does not necessarily indicate a complete transformation or escaping one's past or background. It simply implies that an individual has attained a higher level of success or improved their social position relative to their previous state. However, the idiom does not provide details about the specific nature of this progress, leaving room for interpretation and speculation.
The idiom "go places" is related to "move up in the world." It carries a similar meaning of advancing or progressing in one's personal or professional life. When someone "goes places," they are making significant strides towards success or achieving their goals. This phrase emphasizes the active pursuit of opportunities and growth. It suggests that individuals who are ambitious and motivated have the potential to reach great heights and improve their social standing.
The idiom "social ladder" is also closely connected to "move up in the world." It represents the hierarchical structure of society, where individuals occupy different rungs on the ladder based on their social status. When someone "moves up the social ladder," they climb higher in the hierarchy and increase their social standing. This signifies a shift from a lower position to a higher one, reflecting their improved social status and prestige within their community or social circles.
Another related idiom is "make a move." This phrase implies taking action or making a decisive step towards achieving a goal or desired outcome. When someone "makes a move," they are actively pursuing opportunities or making changes in their life to improve their situation. This idiom aligns with the notion of "moving up in the world," as it emphasizes the importance of being proactive and seizing opportunities in order to progress and achieve success.
The idiom "move out" is also relevant to "move up in the world." While "move up in the world" focuses on advancement and progress, "move out" refers to the act of leaving one's current situation or environment. This could involve physically relocating to a new place or making a significant change in one's life. "Move out" can be seen as a precursor to "move up in the world," as it often involves breaking free from limitations or constraints and seeking new opportunities for growth and improvement.
The idiom "move up in the world" is an integral part of everyday English language usage. It reflects the human desire for progress, success, and societal advancement. This idiom captures the essence of striving for improvement and signifies the attainment of a higher social or financial status. It is a succinct expression that encapsulates the complex emotions and aspirations associated with societal mobility, offering a compact and relatable way to communicate these ideas in various contexts.
Example usage
Examples:
1. After years of hard work and dedication, she finally moved up in the world and became the CEO of a major corporation.
2. He started out as a small-time musician playing in local bars, but he eventually moved up in the world and became a famous rock star.
3. Growing up in a poor neighborhood, she always had dreams of moving up in the world and living in a luxurious mansion.
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