serve an Emperor and do service for a Throne; clamber over the dragon and follow the phoenix -- attachment to the great; climb on to a dragon or hang on to a phoenix; climb the political ladder on the strength of one's influence with those in power; curry favor with those in power; fawn upon the influential people; play up to people of power and influence; put oneself under the patronage of a bigwig; seek connections with the highers - up and rise to power oneself on the wave of their success