Herbie Murray
The idiom sleep your way to the top is typically used to describe someone who has reached a high level in a hierarchy by engaging in sexual activities with other powerful people. The phrase is usually applied to women and is often used to dismiss their accomplishments, asserting that their success is due to sexual bartering rather than merit. However, the phrase can also be interpreted literally, encouraging people to sleep more to increase productivity and achieve success. Arianna Huffington, for example, has discussed the importance of adequate sleep in relation to success.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Trading sexual favours for advancement in a hierarchy |
| Usage | Usually used to dismiss a woman's accomplishments, asserting that she could only have achieved her position through prostitutional bartering |
| Example | "I don't need to sleep my way to the top, thank you very much." |
| Empowerment | Women can reframe the phrase to mean increasing productivity by getting more sleep |
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What You'll Learn
The idiom's literal meaning
The idiom "sleep your way to the top" is a form of wordplay. Literally, it means to reach the highest level of a hierarchy by engaging in sexual activities with other powerful people. It is usually used as an insult directed at women, dismissing their accomplishments and asserting that the only way they could have achieved their position is by trading sexual favours for advancement. The phrase is often used to accuse women of using their sexuality to advance their careers, implying that they are unqualified or unsuited for their positions.
The idiom is a euphemism and is considered a microaggression, as it perpetuates stereotypes and biases against women in the workplace. It is often used to explain away the success of women in positions of power, suggesting that they must have slept with someone to get there, rather than earned their position through merit or qualification. This assumption can be damaging, as it undermines the achievements of women and contributes to a culture of sexism and derogation.
The literal meaning of the idiom, therefore, refers to the act of using sexual favours to gain promotion or advancement. It implies a transactional nature to the sexual activities, suggesting that they are a means to an end rather than consensual or mutually enjoyable experiences. This interpretation of the idiom contributes to a narrative that objectifies women and diminishes their agency, portraying them as using their bodies to achieve success rather than their skills, talents, or qualifications.
While the idiom is most commonly associated with women, it can be applied to both sexes. In some cases, men are also accused of sleeping their way to the top, or it may be used as a tongue-in-cheek joke by a man about his own advancement, as seen in the example of the high-ranking male drow character in the comic "Yet Another Fantasy Gamer Comic". However, the majority of the time, this idiom is used to target women, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and undermining their accomplishments.
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The idiom's figurative meaning
The idiom "sleep your way to the top" is a form of wordplay. In its usual sense, it is applied to a woman who holds a high rank in a company, and it is used to dismiss her accomplishments, asserting that she traded sexual favours for her advancement. It is a way of derogatorily suggesting that a woman is unqualified for her position and that her success is solely due to prostitutional bartering.
The idiom is often used in a narrative about a prostitute or courtesan who marries into a higher social status. It is also commonly associated with showbusiness, with the implication that actors and actresses sleep with powerful people in the industry to get roles.
The idiom can also be used to refer to men who use their sex appeal to advance their careers.
The figurative meaning of the idiom can be interpreted in different ways. On the one hand, it can be seen as a negative reflection of societal sexism and a dismissal of women's achievements. On the other hand, it can be reappropriated as a form of empowerment, encouraging women to embrace the literal meaning of getting more sleep to increase productivity and success.
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Sex for services
The idiom "sleep your way to the top" refers to the trading of sexual favours for career advancement. While it can be applied to both sexes, it is usually used as an insult towards women who are perceived as unqualified for their positions. This idiom is often used to dismiss the accomplishments of women in high-ranking positions, implying that their success is due to prostitutional bartering rather than merit.
The concept of "sex for services" is a narrative that has been perpetuated in various forms of media, including television, movies, and literature. It is often portrayed as a way for individuals, particularly women, to overcome adversity or advance socially. For example, a common storyline involves a prostitute or courtesan who marries a wealthy individual to escape their low social status.
In reality, the assumption that women frequently use their sexuality to advance their careers is generally frowned upon and considered a myth. The #MeToo movement has helped expose the falsehood of this assumption, highlighting the harm caused by sexual misconduct and the interruption of women's careers and potential.
It is important to recognise that individuals who engage in "sex for services" may not be untalented or unsuited for their positions. They may view it as the only option to overcome severe adversity or deal with sexual predators in the workplace. Additionally, it is worth noting that men can also engage in similar behaviours, known as "sleeping women to the bottom," which can have detrimental effects on women's careers and potential.
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The impact of the #MeToo movement
The phrase "sleep your way to the top" is an idiom that refers to trading sexual favours for career advancement. While it can be applied to both sexes, it is usually used to insult women in high-ranking positions, dismissing their accomplishments and asserting that their success is due to sexual bartering.
Now, onto the impact of the #MeToo movement:
The #MeToo movement began in 2006 when Tarana Burke, an advocate for women in New York, first used the phrase to draw attention to the problem of sexual violence. The movement gained widespread attention in 2017 when actress Alyssa Milano encouraged victims of sexual harassment and assault to share their stories on social media using the #MeToo hashtag. Milano's tweet sparked a global movement, with millions of people sharing their experiences and expressing support.
The #MeToo movement has sparked important conversations about sexual violence and harassment, empowering survivors to share their stories and feel supported. It has also led to a greater understanding of the magnitude of the problem, with polls and studies highlighting the prevalence of sexual violence and harassment. For instance, a 2017 poll by ABC News and The Washington Post found that 54% of American women reported receiving "unwanted and inappropriate" sexual advances, with 95% saying that such behaviour usually goes unpunished.
Additionally, the movement has impacted social and legal changes. There is now a greater focus on holding perpetrators accountable, with an increased likelihood of them being believed and facing consequences. The movement has also sparked debates about how to support survivors while ensuring due process for the accused, with studies indicating that false reports make up only 2-10% of sexual assault claims.
Furthermore, the #MeToo movement has had a lasting impact on workplaces. According to a 2022 Pew Research Center survey, compared to five years ago, there is a greater likelihood of people who commit sexual harassment or assault in the workplace being held responsible for their actions. There is also an increased belief in those who report such incidents, with about six-in-ten Americans holding this view. However, there are mixed views on how the movement has affected the interactions between men and women in the workplace, with some feeling that the increased focus on sexual harassment has made it harder for men to navigate professional relationships with women.
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Examples in popular culture
The idiom "sleeping your way to the top" is often used to describe a woman's use of sexual favours to advance her career or social status. This phrase is usually used to dismiss a woman's accomplishments and qualifications, implying that her success is solely due to her sexual relationships with superiors or powerful figures.
- In the TV show *House of Cards*, the character Janine mentions that she slept with congressmen to 'get stories', believing that it would help her career. However, she later acknowledges that this strategy backfired, leading to stagnation in her career.
- In the video game *Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty*, Otacon insinuates that Mei Ling became a Captain at a young age due to an affair with an older Admiral.
- In the animated series *My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic*, Rainbow Dash assumes that Shining Armor was appointed Captain of the Royal Guard because he was Princess Cadance's boyfriend. As a result, Rainbow Dash decides to try and seduce Princess Twilight Sparkle to become Captain of the Wonderbolts.
- In the webcomic *Something\*Positive*', a character named Monette is accused of sleeping her way to the top by an older male coworker, who makes a derogatory comment about her supposed sexual behaviour.
- In the Justice League comics, the villain Tala attaches herself to the most powerful man in the villainous hierarchy, immediately switching her loyalty to Luthor when he gains power.
These examples demonstrate how the idea of "sleeping your way to the top" is often portrayed or perceived in popular culture, reinforcing gender stereotypes and contributing to misogynistic attitudes.
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Frequently asked questions
"Sleep your way to the top" is an idiom that means trading sexual favours for career advancement.
The phrase is usually used to refer to women, dismissing their accomplishments and asserting that the only way they could have achieved their position is by prostitutional bartering.
In Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, Otacon insinuates that Mei Ling achieved the rank of Captain young due to an affair with an older Admiral. In Saints Row, Tanya Winters advanced through the ranks of the Vice Kings this way before killing Warren to seize control of the gang.
