Kick somebody upstairs
verb
To move someone to a higher position or job, especially to prevent them from causing harm or trouble in their current position.
Due to his lack of skills, they had no choice but to kick him upstairs into a role where he could do less damage.
Often appears as...
- decide to kick someone upstairs
- force to kick someone upstairs
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To move someone to a higher position or job, especially to prevent them from causing harm or trouble in their current position.
Due to his lack of skills, they had no choice but to kick him upstairs into a role where he could do less damage.
Often appears as...
- decide to kick someone upstairs
- force to kick someone upstairs
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Hidden Criticism
The phrase can imply a lack of competence despite the promotion.
The board had to kick him upstairs to avoid any more PR disasters.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal
It's a metaphorical expression, not referring to actual physical movement.
After the merger mess, they kicked her upstairs to a corner office.
Pro Tip 3/3Organizational Politics
Common in workplace politics where an actual demotion isn't possible.
With his father on the board, they kicked him upstairs instead of firing him.
Pro Tip 1/3Hidden Criticism
The phrase can imply a lack of competence despite the promotion.
The board had to kick him upstairs to avoid any more PR disasters.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal
It's a metaphorical expression, not referring to actual physical movement.
After the merger mess, they kicked her upstairs to a corner office.
Pro Tip 3/3Organizational Politics
Common in workplace politics where an actual demotion isn't possible.
With his father on the board, they kicked him upstairs instead of firing him.
Pro Tip 1/3Hidden Criticism
The phrase can imply a lack of competence despite the promotion.
The board had to kick him upstairs to avoid any more PR disasters.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal
It's a metaphorical expression, not referring to actual physical movement.
After the merger mess, they kicked her upstairs to a corner office.
Pro Tip 3/3Organizational Politics
Common in workplace politics where an actual demotion isn't possible.
With his father on the board, they kicked him upstairs instead of firing him.
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