set the bar: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘set the bar’ mean?
The idiom "set the bar" means to establish a standard or expectation that others should strive to meet or exceed.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "up to par" means meeting or reaching a satisfactory standard or level of quality.
An idiom meaning an unrealistic or unattainable desire/expectation, often used to convey someone wanting something that is impossible to obtain.
The idiom "that's saying something" is used to highlight a statement that is particularly noteworthy or impressive, often because it exceeds expectations or goes against common assumptions.
An idiom used to emphasize the extreme or exceptional quality of someone or something.
An idiom meaning to improve one's skills or performance in order to achieve better results or compete at a higher level.
The idiom "standard fare" refers to something that is typical or expected, often used to describe food, entertainment, or content. It implies that the item or experience is ordinary and not particularly exciting or exceptional.
The idiom "sharp-set" means to be extremely hungry or have a strong desire to eat. This phrase is usually used to describe someone who is eagerly looking forward to having a meal or food.
The idiom *shape up* means to improve one's behavior, performance, or abilities, typically in response to criticism or expectations.
The idiom "set straight" means to correct someone's misunderstanding or misconception, providing them with accurate information or guidance.
The idiom "set store by" means to value or place importance and significance on something. It implies that someone values or takes into consideration a certain thing or belief when making decisions or judgments.
FAIL
One common idiom related to "set the bar" is "raise the bar". This phrase is often used to express the act of increasing a standard or expectation. When someone raises the bar, they are setting a higher level of achievement that others should strive to reach. It signifies a desire for improvement and can inspire individuals to push themselves beyond their previous limits.
On the other hand, there is also the idiom "lower the bar". This expression is used when someone sets a lower standard or expectation. It implies a decrease in the level of achievement required and can suggest a lack of ambition or effort. Lowering the bar can sometimes be seen as taking the easy way out and not pushing oneself to reach their full potential.
Another related idiom is "measure up". When someone is asked to measure up, it means they are being evaluated against a certain standard or expectation. It reflects the idea of being compared to others or to a benchmark, often in terms of performance or achievement. Individuals who measure up are deemed to have met or exceeded the established criteria, while those who fall short may need to work harder to reach the desired level.
Similarly, the idiom "move the goalposts" is used to describe a situation where the rules or criteria for achieving a certain goal are changed or made more difficult. This idiom suggests that the goalposts have been shifted, making it harder for individuals to meet the established standard. It can denote a sense of unfairness or frustration when expectations are constantly changing.
Lastly, we have the idiom "make the grade". This phrase is often used in educational settings to describe whether a student has met a certain level of achievement or performance. It suggests that individuals are being evaluated against a standard and that they must prove themselves to be capable or successful. Making the grade signifies meeting the necessary requirements and being considered competent or proficient in a particular subject or skill.
The idiom "set the bar" originated from track and field, but has since evolved to become a widely used expression in various domains. It symbolizes the act of establishing a standard or expectation, and it can be related to other idioms such as "raise the bar", "lower the bar", "measure up", "move the goalposts", and "make the grade". These idioms all revolve around the concept of setting and evaluating standards, reflecting the human desire for excellence and recognition.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "set the bar" can be used in a sentence:
- John's impressive presentation set the bar high for future speakers.
- The new company policy on customer service sets the bar for excellence in the industry.
- Athlete's record-breaking performance has raised the bar for all competitors.
More "Metaphor" idioms
