He succeeded, then pulled the ladder up after himself to stop others.
pull the ladder up after oneself
idiomAlternative form of pull the ladder up behind oneself.
After getting a promotion, she pulled the ladder up after herself by refusing to mentor any junior staff members.
The industry leaders secured their own wealth and influence, effectively pulling the ladder up after themselves to prevent any new competitors from rising.
- 01
adorn oneself with borrowed plumes
To claim the honor of another for oneself.
- 02
apply oneself
Synonym of strive: to work hard, to complete an activity with good effort and focus.
- 03
be oneself
To behave or act naturally, without regard to how this behavior is perceived by others.
- 04
bear oneself
To behave and conduct oneself in a particular manner.
- 05
box oneself into a corner
To create a predicament or problem for oneself; to do something that leaves one with no good alternatives or solutions.
- 06
buy a dog and bark oneself
To do something that one has hired someone else to do.
- 07
carry oneself
To move, especially emphasizing the manner in which one moves.
- 08
come to oneself
To gain consciousness or self-control.