Set the bar

verb phrase

To establish a standard or expectation that others will have to meet or exceed.

The first athlete set the bar so high that no one else could reach it.
Visual representation of "set the bar" - To establish a standard or expectation that others will have to meet or exceed

Usage tips

Idiomatic

verb phrase

To define the minimum requirements or rules.

The company sets the bar for entry-level applicants at three years of experience.
Visual representation of "set the bar" - To define the minimum requirements or rules

Often appears as...

  • set the bar high
  • set the bar low

Usage tips

Formal

Technical

verb phrase

To do something so well that it becomes a standard for others to strive.

Her groundbreaking research set the bar for future studies in the field.
Visual representation of "set the bar" - To do something so well that it becomes a standard for others to strive

Often appears as...

  • set the bar high
  • set the bar for performance

Usage tips

Academic

verb phrase

To establish a standard or expectation that others will have to meet or exceed.

The first athlete set the bar so high that no one else could reach it.
Visual representation of "set the bar" - To establish a standard or expectation that others will have to meet or exceed

Usage tips

Idiomatic

verb phrase

To define the minimum requirements or rules.

The company sets the bar for entry-level applicants at three years of experience.
Visual representation of "set the bar" - To define the minimum requirements or rules

Often appears as...

  • set the bar high
  • set the bar low

Usage tips

Formal

Technical

verb phrase

To do something so well that it becomes a standard for others to strive.

Her groundbreaking research set the bar for future studies in the field.
Visual representation of "set the bar" - To do something so well that it becomes a standard for others to strive

Often appears as...

  • set the bar high
  • set the bar for performance

Usage tips

Academic

Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "set the bar"
LampPro Tip 1/2

Metaphoric Origin

The phrase comes from high jump sports, where setting the bar high means a greater challenge.

Illustration for Metaphoric Origin
Sasha set the bar for the exam: score above 90%.
LampPro Tip 2/2

Not Literal

It's not about physical bars. It's about expectations or goals that are set.

Illustration for Not Literal
This essay sets the bar for what I expect in terms of quality.
LampPro Tip 1/2

Metaphoric Origin

The phrase comes from high jump sports, where setting the bar high means a greater challenge.

Illustration for Metaphoric Origin
Sasha set the bar for the exam: score above 90%.
LampPro Tip 2/2

Not Literal

It's not about physical bars. It's about expectations or goals that are set.

Illustration for Not Literal
This essay sets the bar for what I expect in terms of quality.
LampPro Tip 1/2

Metaphoric Origin

The phrase comes from high jump sports, where setting the bar high means a greater challenge.

Illustration for Metaphoric Origin
Sasha set the bar for the exam: score above 90%.
LampPro Tip 2/2

Not Literal

It's not about physical bars. It's about expectations or goals that are set.

Illustration for Not Literal
This essay sets the bar for what I expect in terms of quality.
Visual representation of the word "Set the bar"

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