The top rungs of an iron ladder went down from there into the mud.

His feet were on the top rungs, and he was leaning over, blocking my way.

But they remain far less prominent at the top rungs of the business world than in other high-pressure fields.

You can go this far, the men on the top rungs seemed to say, and no farther.

All but the top rungs of the ladder to star flight were missing.

As for getting what you want from the men at the top rungs, it's up to you to make the first move.

On one of the top rungs, she paused and glanced down.

Straight salary does not put these people at the top rungs of the income ladder.

Even for those at the top rungs of the labor ladder, job stability isn't what it used to be.

In fact all but those on the top rungs are only able to move down.