He moves up in the world by working hard and seizing opportunities.

He moved up in the world after starting his own business.

Put 'em up, or I'll shoot!

The manager is roughing up the bullpen by making them pitch extra innings.

The manager roughed up the bullpen by making several pitching changes.

I saw a jack-up-the-orchard at the farmer's market.

The project picked up steam after the new team was hired.

The project is picking up steam.

The project picks up steam as more people join the team.

The project is starting to pick up steam.