Step up the ladder to leave in style (9)

I believe the answer is:

elevation

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'step up the ladder' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'to leave in style' is the wordplay.
'style' indicates anagramming the letters (style can mean to shape or design).
'to'+'leave'+'in'='toleavein'
'toleavein' anagrammed gives 'ELEVATION'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for elevation that I've seen before include "Grandeur" , "Diagram" , "Height - promotion" , "high ground" , "Height - a live note (anag)" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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