- 巴高枝儿 bāgāozhīr to climb highTo curry favor with influential people; to social climb or marry above one's social status.
- 攀高枝儿 pāngāozhīr to social climbTo improve one's social status by marrying or associating with people of high rank or power; to attach oneself to a bigwig.
- 爬高枝儿 págāozhīr to cling to the powerfulTo curry favor with or marry into a family of higher social status or wealth.