pull the ladder up behind oneself: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘pull the ladder up behind oneself’ mean?
The idiom "pull the ladder up behind oneself" means to remove or deny opportunities or assistance for others once one has succeeded or achieved a certain position or goal.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "rear one's head" means to appear or become evident after a period of inactivity or hiding.
The idiom "put something behind one" means to forget about something that has happened in the past and move on, leaving it behind emotionally and mentally.
The idiom "pull up" means to stop or bring something to a halt. It can also refer to stopping oneself or someone else from behaving in a certain way. The phrase can be used in various contexts such as driving, sports, or correcting someone's behavior.
The idiom "pull the rug out from under" means to unexpectedly remove support or stability from someone or something, causing them to fail or be in a state of confusion.
The idiom "pull the ladder up after oneself" means to hinder or prevent others from achieving the same success or opportunity that one has enjoyed.
The idiom "pull strings" means to use one's influence or connections to manipulate or control a situation in one's favor.
***The idiom "pull someone's bacon out of the fire" refers to rescuing or saving someone from a difficult or dangerous situation.***
'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 out of the fire" means to save or rescue someone or something from danger or a difficult situation.
Idiomatic Revelation
pull the ladder up after oneself is another idiom that carries a similar meaning to "pull the ladder up behind oneself". It refers to the act of removing a means of advancement or support once one has achieved success or reached a certain level. This can be seen as a selfish or self-centered action, as it limits the opportunities for others to follow in one's footsteps. Just like pulling the ladder up behind oneself, pulling the ladder up after oneself signifies a lack of consideration for others and a focus on personal advancement.
pull oneself up by one's bootstraps is a related idiom that contrasts with the concepts of pulling the ladder up behind oneself or after oneself. This idiom suggests that an individual can achieve success or improve their circumstances through their own efforts and determination, without relying on external support or opportunities. While pulling the ladder up behind oneself implies the removal of support for others, pulling oneself up by one's bootstraps emphasizes personal agency and self-reliance. This idiom is often used to describe someone who has overcome obstacles and achieved success through their own hard work.
The phrase "on the ladder" is a related idiom that signifies being in a position of advancement or progress. It refers to someone who is on a path to success or has achieved a certain level of accomplishment. When someone pulls the ladder up behind themselves, it can prevent others from also being "on the ladder" and making progress towards their own goals. This idiom highlights the impact of denying opportunities or support to others, as it can hinder their ability to climb the metaphorical ladder of success.
Overall, these idioms shed light on the complexities of human behavior and the choices we make in relation to success, support, and advancement. They raise important questions about individual responsibility, community spirit, and the balance between personal and collective progress. By understanding and reflecting on these idiomatic expressions, we can gain insights into the dynamics of relationships, power, and the impact of our actions on others.
Example usage
Examples:
- After getting promoted to a higher position, the manager pulled the ladder up behind herself by refusing to mentor or support junior employees.
- Once she had achieved her dream of becoming a successful actress, she pulled the ladder up behind herself and stopped helping aspiring actors or sharing her industry contacts.
- Instead of assisting his colleagues in improving their skills, the consultant pulled the ladder up behind himself by hoarding all the knowledge and resources he possessed.
More "selfishness" idioms
