Raise the bar
verb
To make a task more difficult or to set a higher standard or expectation.
The company raised the bar for entry level positions after upgrading their training program.
Often appears as...
- company raised the bar
- school has raised the bar
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
In sports, to increase the level of challenge or difficulty, usually by adjusting the actual height of the bar in certain sports like high jump or pole vault.
After clearing 2 meters, the athlete asked to raise the bar to 2.10 meters.
Often appears as...
- athlete raised the bar
- raise the bar to a new height
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
To make a task more difficult or to set a higher standard or expectation.
The company raised the bar for entry level positions after upgrading their training program.
Often appears as...
- company raised the bar
- school has raised the bar
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
In sports, to increase the level of challenge or difficulty, usually by adjusting the actual height of the bar in certain sports like high jump or pole vault.
After clearing 2 meters, the athlete asked to raise the bar to 2.10 meters.
Often appears as...
- athlete raised the bar
- raise the bar to a new height
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Usage
Often used metaphorically to refer to non-physical challenges or standards in work, education, or other fields.
This year, our debate team really needs to raise the bar.
Pro Tip 2/3Positive Connotation
Carries a positive sense of improving quality or performance, usually implying progress or innovation.
The new software update will surely raise the bar for user experience.
Pro Tip 3/3Subjective Perception
What 'raising the bar' means can vary depending on individual or cultural expectations.
With her exceptional singing, she's raised the bar for aspiring musicians in our town.
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Usage
Often used metaphorically to refer to non-physical challenges or standards in work, education, or other fields.
This year, our debate team really needs to raise the bar.
Pro Tip 2/3Positive Connotation
Carries a positive sense of improving quality or performance, usually implying progress or innovation.
The new software update will surely raise the bar for user experience.
Pro Tip 3/3Subjective Perception
What 'raising the bar' means can vary depending on individual or cultural expectations.
With her exceptional singing, she's raised the bar for aspiring musicians in our town.
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Usage
Often used metaphorically to refer to non-physical challenges or standards in work, education, or other fields.
This year, our debate team really needs to raise the bar.
Pro Tip 2/3Positive Connotation
Carries a positive sense of improving quality or performance, usually implying progress or innovation.
The new software update will surely raise the bar for user experience.
Pro Tip 3/3Subjective Perception
What 'raising the bar' means can vary depending on individual or cultural expectations.
With her exceptional singing, she's raised the bar for aspiring musicians in our town.
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