View synonyms for

kick upstairs

verb

informal��(tr, adverb) to promote to a nominally higher but effectively powerless position

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Idioms and Phrases

Promote someone to a higher but less desirable position, especially one with less authority. For example, Paul never forgave the company for kicking him upstairs at age 55. This expression alludes to its antonym, kick downstairs, simply meaning “eject.” [Mid-1900s]

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The experts said front-line engineers for Sound Transit can only approve changes under $50,000, so anything higher must be kicked upstairs for decisions.

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It’s the industry equivalent of getting kicked upstairs.

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“Usually in a tech company when someone becomes chair they are kicked upstairs and that is an exit,” Mr. Doerr said.

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It was terrific fun but after four years I was kicked upstairs and made responsible for both networks, which meant dealing with trade unions, politicians, finances, engineering, staffing problems, which is not much fun.

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If that fails, as it will, the dispute gets kicked upstairs, first to a “Joint Commission,” then to a Ministerial review, then to an “Advisory Board,” then to the U.N.

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kick up one's heels kickwheel

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