fail up
C1 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words
When someone gets a better job or more power even though they did a bad job — instead of being fired, they get promoted.
Meanings
1 C1
idiomatic
informal
To advance to a higher position or gain greater influence despite repeated failures or incompetence, often due to connections or corporate culture.
"Despite mismanaging two major projects, he somehow failed up into a senior vice-president role."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
A relatively modern idiomatic expression, often used critically in media, business, and political commentary. More common in American English. Describes a systemic or cultural phenomenon in organizations. Often appears in journalism and social commentary.
Commonly used with
executive politician manager career organization system
Forms
Base
fail up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
fails up
he/she/it
Past simple
failed up
yesterday
Past participle
failed up
have + pp
-ing form
failing up
continuous
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