Rise to the top is a phrase that encourages people to strive for success and reach their highest potential. The crossword solutions SHINE and EXCEL are two words that embody this concept. SHINE is a verb that means to emit or reflect light, and can also be used to describe someone who stands out from the crowd. EXCEL is a verb that means to surpass others in achievement or performance, and is often used to describe someone who is highly successful. Together, these two words represent the idea of rising to the top and achieving greatness.