Meaning of fail upwards | Babel Free

Definitions

To advance in one's career despite failure or incompetence.

idiomatic, informal

Examples

“I got trapped in an absurd, "failing upwards" trajectory. Heathers got me work⟳ on a bigger film called Ford Fairlane. When that movie failed, I was given a post⟳ on an even bigger film, Hudson Hawk. After that one really, really failed, I was rewarded with the assignment of Batman Returns.”

“In Hollywood, as in many industries, there are countless tales of people who fail⟳ upwards. It means that no matter⟳ how poorly someone performs with one project, the next one he or she will be given will be significantly greater. If a director makes a flop for $15 million, you can bet⟳ the ranch that his next picture deal⟳ will be for $25 million.”

“He was your standard show⟳ business example of failing upwards, and the Postman had no doubts that eventually Goldstone would be running a major Hollywood film studio into receivership.”

“Gates himself would move⟳ to the White House as deputy national security adviser—in effect, failing upwards.”

CEFR level