hand over hand

adverb2

1. •
   by passing the hands alternately one before or above the other, especially with rope

   • Max went up the rigging hand over hand, and brought his red head with a bump against the base of Harry’s back. — 1849
2. •
   rapidly

   • In this way he made money hand over hand; became a rich and mighty man, and exalted his cocked hat upon change. — 1824