move up in the world

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

And despite his citations and medals and his efforts to move up in the world, Fred, a soda jerk before the war, is once again dishing up sundaes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 7, 2025

Trust founder, Sir Peter Lampl, said the idea of going to London to "move up in the world" had become "a myth".

From BBC • Jan. 21, 2020

Ostensibly, they’re about helping poor people move up in the world, or at least making sure they’re not taking advantage of taxpayer largesse.

From Washington Post • Nov. 7, 2019

Economists argue the higher subsidy for high-cost markets is worth it since those places are more productive, and they are places where people can find good jobs and move up in the world.

From Slate • Jun. 20, 2017

“It’s just good business. And how are ordinary people supposed to move up in the world without a little extra help?”

From "Six of Crows" by Leigh Bardugo