kick upstairs

verb

1. informal.
   tr, adverb to promote to a nominally higher but effectively powerless position

Idioms and Phrases

Promote someone to a higher but less desirable position, especially one with less authority. For example, Paul never forgave the company for kicking him upstairs at age 55 . This expression alludes to its antonym, kick downstairs , simply meaning “eject.” [Mid-1900s]

Example Sentences

The experts said front-line engineers for Sound Transit can only approve changes under $50,000, so anything higher must be kicked upstairs for decisions.

From Seattle Times

It’s the industry equivalent of getting kicked upstairs.

From Los Angeles Times

“Usually in a tech company when someone becomes chair they are kicked upstairs and that is an exit,” Mr. Doerr said.

From Wall Street Journal

It was terrific fun but after four years I was kicked upstairs and made responsible for both networks, which meant dealing with trade unions, politicians, finances, engineering, staffing problems, which is not much fun.

From The Guardian

If that fails, as it will, the dispute gets kicked upstairs, first to a “Joint Commission,” then to a Ministerial review, then to an “Advisory Board,” then to the U.N.

From Wall Street Journal