on the ladder: Idiom Meaning and Origin

What does ‘on the ladder’ mean?

The idiom "on the ladder" means being in the process of achieving success or moving up in a particular field or profession.

Idiom Explorer

Decoding Elevation

The idiom "on the ladder" is a widely used expression in the English language. It has a specific meaning that refers to an individual's progress or advancement in a particular area. The metaphorical use of the word "ladder" in this idiom symbolizes a person's journey towards success or achieving higher goals.

When someone is described as being "on the ladder," it means that they are actively making progress, moving up the metaphorical ladder towards their desired position or goal. This idiom emphasizes the sense of upward movement and improvement in one's personal or professional life.

The idiom "on the ladder" can be related to the idioms "corporate ladder," "social ladder," and "pull the ladder up behind oneself." Each of these idioms expands on the concept of climbing and advancing in different aspects of life.

Let's start with the idiom "corporate ladder." When someone mentions the corporate ladder, they are referring to the hierarchical structure within a company or organization. Climbing the corporate ladder means moving up the ranks and gaining higher positions or more power within the company. It reflects the desire for professional success and recognition.

Similarly, the idiom "social ladder" pertains to the concept of social status and class. It refers to the idea that individuals can improve their social standing or move up in society by acquiring wealth, education, or connections. Climbing the social ladder involves striving for higher social recognition and acceptance.

Climbing the ladder for career advancement and success.

Lastly, the idiom "pull the ladder up behind oneself" has a slightly different connotation. It refers to the act of achieving success and then deliberately preventing others from following in one's footsteps. It can suggest a selfish or exclusive mentality, where someone who has already reached a certain level of success does not want others to have the same opportunities.

These idioms, including "corporate ladder," "social ladder," and "pull the ladder up behind oneself," all revolve around the metaphorical idea of climbing and advancement. They highlight different aspects of human ambition, be it in the professional, social, or individual spheres.

Returning to the idiom "on the ladder," it is essential to understand that it is not confined to a specific ladder or hierarchy. It is a versatile expression that can be applied to various contexts. For example, someone may be on the ladder to success in their career, striving for promotions and advancements. Another person may be on the ladder to financial stability, working hard to improve their financial situation. Additionally, a person may be on the ladder to self-improvement, constantly seeking personal growth and development.

The idiom "on the ladder" implies an ongoing process rather than a static state. It reflects the idea that progress and growth are continual. To be on the ladder means consistently striving to move forward and improve. Life is a journey, and staying on the ladder means never settling and always pushing oneself to reach higher.

The idiom "on the ladder" encapsulates the human desire for progress and serves as a reminder of the limitless possibilities that exist for those who are willing to climb and ascend. It symbolizes the determination to overcome obstacles, the resilience to keep going, and the ambition to achieve one's goals.

The idiom "on the ladder" is a powerful expression that captures the essence of personal and professional development. It represents the journey towards success, improvement, and growth. Whether one is on the ladder to success, financial stability, or self-improvement, this idiom reminds us of the importance of always striving for higher achievements and never settling for mediocrity. So, let's keep climbing that ladder, embracing challenges, and reaching for the stars!

Example usage

Here are three examples of how the idiom "on the ladder" can be used in a sentence:

  1. After years of hard work and dedication, he finally made it on the ladder of success.
  2. She started at the bottom and worked her way up, gradually moving higher on the ladder in her career.
  3. Having a mentor can greatly help you in getting on the ladder in your chosen field.

More "Career" idioms