1
general::
Also, move up in the world. Advance, rise to a higher level, succeed, as in Gene hoped he would move up in the new division, or That new house and car show they are moving up in the world. Also see COME UP, def. 4.
American Heritage Idioms
2
general::
Phrase(s): move up (to something)
to advance to something; to purchase a better quality of something. • We are moving up to a larger car. • There are too many of us now for a small house. We are moving up., Phrase(s): move up
to advance; to go higher. • Isn’t it about time that I move up? I’ve been an office clerk for over a year. • I had hoped that I would move up faster than this., Phrase(s): move someone or something up
to cause someone or something to go higher or more forward. • She is too far down. Move her up one step. • Would you move the sofa up a little? It is too far back., Phrase(s): move someone up
to advance or promote someone. • We are ready to move you up. You have been doing quite well. • It will be years before they move up the new people.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs