Promote someone to a higher rank with less responsibility in order to get him or her out of the way. Although one may tend to associate this expression with modern business practices, it was already being used in the early nineteenth century. J. W. Croker recorded it in an 1821 diary entry: “Lord Melville informs me that he is about to be kicked upstairs (his expression) to be Secretary of State.”
Related and Similar Terms
- Canned: Directly terminated from a job.
- Sidetracked: Moved to a less significant position.
- Decoratively Demoted: Shifted to a seemingly high-ranking but powerless role.
- Golden Parachuted: Given a lucrative exit with a nice severance package.
Synonyms
- Promoted out of the way
- Pushed to a sinecure
- Elevatorized (informal)
- Corporate relocation
Quotable Humor
“A promotion in our company is like getting a bigger office with no furniture.” —Made-Up Executive.
Antonyms
- Demoted: Lowered in rank or position.
- Top-hearted: Promoted with full accolade and power.
- Elevated: Raised in status genuinely.
Proverbs
- “All that glitters is not gold.” This reflects that not every promotion results in power or prestige.
- “Be careful what you wish for.” Sometimes the end result, like getting ‘kicked upstairs,’ isn’t what you envisioned.
Inspirational Quote
“Sometimes, they give you wings just to tie you to a statue.”
Cultural References
- Books: “The Peter Principle” by Laurence J. Peter — where people rise to their level of incompetence.
- Movies: Office Space (1999) — captures the corporate culture thick with irony and real-world relevance.
- Songs: “Taking Care of Business” by Bachman-Turner Overdrive — because sometimes, “taking care of business” means taking the shortcut with subtlety.
Curious Questions for the Corporate Cog
Ever wondered why sometimes a bump up in title doesn’t feel like an actual uplift? Welcome to the paradox of the corporate climb, where up is down, forward is backward, and success is sometimes a real serious box of chocolates. Enjoy the comedy because sometimes that’s all there is to it!
Closing with a thoughtful smirk: Remember, it’s not about the titles you hold, but the tales you tell with the shoes on your feet. If ever you feel like you’ve been kicked upstairs, brace for the curious corporate twist, embrace the flavor of irony, and climb whichever ladder aligns better with your true aspirations. Safe travels through the realm of ranks and responsibilities.
— E. F. Electfaçade
