Make the grade

Pro Tip 1/3

The phrase is often used when certain standards are set for quality in professional or commercial situations.

Her handcrafted jewelry really made the grade and impressed the clients.

Pro Tip 2/3

'Make the grade' does not relate to literal grades in school but to meeting a general standard.

Despite his best efforts, his dessert did not make the grade at the cooking competition.

Pro Tip 3/3

Use it to talk about meeting expectations at work, like performance goals, not just about passing exams.

He's hoping that his project will make the grade in the annual review.