to rise (to a high position); to work one's way up; to push one's way up; to be promoted
彼は努力して社長に伸し上がった。
He worked hard and climbed his way up to become CEO.
その新人はスター選手に伸し上がっている。
That rookie is rising to become a star player.
彼は野心的に党の上層部に伸し上がることを目指す。
He ambitiously aims to work his way up to the party's upper echelons.