Throne of Thorns

When you successfully get ahead at the expense of something or someone else.

Guy 1-sure Jeff got the promotion, but that's only because he sabotaged everyone else

Guy 2- yeah I hope he enjoys his throne of thorns

Example 2: Guy 1- Jeff looks so successful, I wonder how he got to where he his now
Guy 2- rumor has it that he's sitting on a throne of thorns