Come/godown/up in the world
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Climb
The phrase suggests a metaphorical rise in social standing, similar to climbing a ladder.
He really came up in the world after marrying the CEO's daughter.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal
The phrase doesn't refer to physical movement, but to social or financial improvement.
After years of hard work, she had come up in the world.
Pro Tip 3/3Potential Irony
Can be used ironically if someone's effort to improve status has clearly failed.
Bought a fancy car to come up in the world, yet he's still living in his parent's basement.
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