You must pay your dues before you get a promotion.
pay one's dues
idiomTo acquire status or to earn the right to enjoy certain benefits, especially through lengthy experience, hardship, or service to an organization.
She spent years working in the mailroom to pay her dues before finally becoming a manager.
The young musician spent a decade playing in empty bars to pay his dues, eventually earning the respect of the entire industry.
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abound in one's own sense
To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.
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ace up one's sleeve
A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.
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act one's age
To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.
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act one's age, not one's shoe size
Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).
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afraid of one's own shadow
Exceptionally timid.
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air one's dirty laundry in public
To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.
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air one's dirty linen in public
Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.
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albatross around one's neck
A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.