のし上あがる

godan verb (-ru), intransitive verb

rise to a high position; work one's way up; climb the ladder

Implies effort, ambition, or pushing through obstacles to reach a higher social or professional rank. Often used in career contexts.

• 彼かれは努ど力りょくして社しゃ長ちょうにのし上あがった。

  He worked his way up to become company president.

• 政せい界かいでのし上あがるにはコネが必ひつ要ようだと言いわれる。

  It's said that connections are necessary to rise in the political world.