She worked her way up from the lowest rung on the economic 'ladder'.
He was moving up the corporate 'ladder'.
She got/had a 'ladder' in her stocking.
(..) with a princess for you. Alexei, we're brothers, so don't take offense. Getting married puts the pack on your back. It leaves your hands free for climbing the ladder. Getting serious about a married woman is like carrying your pack in your arms. So, they talk about me. I'm leaving, Sasha. (..)2012 Anna Karenina