to move up in the world
7
4.5
- phrasal verb
:
ascender
- After landing her new job, she felt she had finally moved up in the world.
- want to move up in the world
- really moved up in the world
- hear you're moving up in the world
Examples
-
You and I are moving up in the world.
Fiction book (1990) -
After you get going, you will be able to afford to move up in the world.
Blog text (17) -
Our little girl's really moving up in the world, huh?
-
It's good to see you moving up in the world.
-
I was moving up in the world.
-
Well, Harry, it just so happens that old Fred is moving up in the world...
Fiction book (1994) -
Ruby had really moved up in the world since she got rid of him.
Fiction book (1996) -
As you look to move up in the world, one thing that might help is casting a wider net in your job search.
Blog text (31) -
Oliver didn't have the house yet, but he was definitely moving up in the world.
-
I'm pleased with you, Sera... how you have moved up in the world.
Fiction book (1995)
Synonyms
207
3.4
To become very successful in a job or career
154
2.7
To move to a higher job or position
146
2.2
Rise to a higher level, for example prices or numbers
83
3.4
Do better than others, for example at work or school
43
3.2
Get a better job or higher position at work
39
4.4
To move up to a more important job or position
18
4.1
Become very successful in a job or career
5
1.6
To rise to a higher position, for example at work or on music charts
3
4.8
To move up in a company by getting promotions and more responsibility
1
4.8
To improve social position by getting more money, education, or important friends
To move to a higher position at work or in society
Antonyms
How Successful
7
4.5
83
3.4
Surface Forms
Morphology
The components 'move' (change position) and 'up' (indicating improvement or higher status) plus 'in the world' (a social sphere) together transparently signal upward social or economic movement, so a learner who knows the words can likely infer the general sense. However, the social/professional nuance ('improve one's position') relies on a conventional metaphor (verticality = status) and the idiomatic collocation 'in the world', so the exact pragmatic meaning is not fully predictable without some exposure.
Etymology
The idiom move up in the world creates a picture of someone climbing higher: move up like steps on a ladder and the world as their life among other people. That's why it means 'to become more successful or improve your place in life'.