Definition
To promote someone to a new position that appears to be more senior but actually has less real power, often done to remove them from a position where they are causing problems.
After their constant complaining, the manager decided to kick them upstairs and put them in charge of a project with no real power.
She was kicked upstairs to a newly created position that sounded great but had no budget or staff.
The company kicked him upstairs to an advisory role with no power to remove his threat to senior management.