Biz Idiom of the Day- "climb the corporate ladder" climb the corporate ladder Definition: To move up in the hierarchy of a corporation. Example: 1) You have to work very hard if you want to climb the corporate ladder. Etymology: A 'ladder' is a device with steps used to 'climb' (or move) up and down, so the 'corporate ladder' is the series of steps people go through as they gain more power in a corporation and 'rise to the top' - from file clerk up to president. http://www.peakenglish.com/slang/dailybiz.jsp