raise the bar

Register · Neutral Neutral — appropriate in most situations, both spoken and written, without sounding too casual or too stiff. CEFR B2

Post

Figurative meaning

To set a higher standard of quality or achievement.

Why this phrase?

From high jump, where the bar is lifted higher.

Example

“Their latest album has really raised the bar for the whole genre.”

Dictionary details

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

go the extra mile Neutral · CEFR B1

To make more effort than is expected or required.

the icing on the cake Neutral · CEFR B1

An extra good thing that makes a good situation even better.

climb the corporate ladder Neutral · CEFR B2

to advance step by step through the ranks of a company

fall short Neutral · CEFR B2

to fail to reach an expected standard, amount, or goal

in one's sights Neutral · CEFR B2

chosen as a target or goal that you intend to achieve or pursue

make the grade Informal · CEFR B2

to reach the standard required for success or acceptance

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

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