Kick somebody upstairs Definition 1 of 1Pro 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.