The phrase "kicked down the ladder" is spelled phonetically as /kɪkt daʊn ðə lædər/. "Kicked," pronounced as /kɪkt/, is the past tense of the verb "kick" and is followed by "down," pronounced as /daʊn/. "The," pronounced as /ði/, is a definite article used before "ladder," pronounced as /ˈlædər/. The phrase means intentionally causing someone to lose their position or status. The spelling of the phrase follows English phonetic rules, making it easy for learners to decipher and use in context.
The phrase "kicked down the ladder" is an idiomatic expression often used in the context of workplace dynamics. It refers to the act of deliberately hindering or sabotaging the progress or advancement of someone else, typically a colleague or subordinate, in order to secure or maintain a personal advantage or higher position. The phrase vividly conveys the aggressive and cutthroat nature of this action, likening it to forcefully knocking a person off a ladder they are climbing.
When someone "kicks down the ladder," they engage in various detrimental behaviors such as spreading misinformation, undermining accomplishments, taking credit for someone else's work, or even actively sabotaging their projects. This phrase encapsulates the deliberate intent to obstruct the advancement of others and disrupt the competitive balance within a professional environment.
Kicking down the ladder is often associated with a lack of ethics, professionalism, and teamwork, as it places personal gain above collaboration and fair competition. It creates a hostile work environment and can breed resentment and mistrust among colleagues, damaging morale and hindering productivity.
This expression serves as a cautionary reminder about the negative consequences of such behavior, emphasizing the importance of fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace culture where individuals are encouraged to climb the ladder of success through determination, skills, and ethical conduct rather than engaging in destructive practices that hinder others.