Shoot up to the highest position (3)
I believe the answer is:
top
'the highest position' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both human attributes as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'shoot up' is the wordplay.
'shoot' becomes 'pot' (I've seen this in other clues).
'up' says the letters should be written in reverse (in down clue: letters go upwards).
'pot' back-to-front is 'TOP'.
'to' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for top that I've seen before include "The upper part" , "Most successful" , "The circus tent can be a big one" , "Best" , "Surface" .)