PhrasesHub

Raise the bar

    Definitions

      • set a higher standard or expectation
        To raise the level of quality or performance required, often to challenge oneself or others to achieve more or improve

      • make something more difficult
        To increase the difficulty or challenge of a task or activity, often to push oneself or others to reach new heights of achievement

      • improve or advance
        To elevate or enhance something, often in reference to personal or professional growth and development

    Examples of Raise the bar

    • The company's new marketing campaign has really raised the bar for our industry.

      This idiom is used to describe when something has set a new standard or expectation that others must now meet or exceed. In this example, the company's marketing campaign has set a new level of excellence for the industry, making it more difficult for competitors to match or surpass their efforts.

    • After winning the gold medal in the Olympics, the athlete's performance really raised the bar for their sport.

      This example shows how an individual's achievement can also raise the bar for others in their field. By setting a new standard for excellence, the athlete has made it more challenging for others to compete at the same level.

    • The new product has raised the bar for quality in our industry.

      This example demonstrates how a specific product or item can raise the bar for others in its category. By setting a new standard for quality, the product has made it more difficult for competitors to match or surpass its level of excellence.

    • The teacher's high expectations for her students really raised the bar for academic performance in the classroom.

      This example shows how a person's expectations can raise the bar for others. By setting a high standard for academic performance, the teacher has made it more challenging for her students to meet her expectations, but also more rewarding for those who are able to do so.

    • The new CEO's leadership has really raised the bar for the company's performance.

      This example demonstrates how a person's leadership can raise the bar for an entire organization. By setting a new standard for performance, the CEO has made it more challenging for the company to meet her expectations, but also more rewarding for those who are able to do so.


    Conclusion

    "Raise the bar" is a versatile idiom that can be used in various contexts. It can be used to encourage someone to strive for excellence and push their limits, or to set higher expectations for oneself or others. It can also refer to improving or advancing in a particular area, whether it be personal or professional.

    In all these meanings, the underlying intention is to reach a higher level or standard. The idiom is often used in a motivational or inspirational sense, to inspire action and drive individuals or teams towards achieving more. It can also be used in a more critical manner, to highlight the need for improvement or to point out a lack of effort or progress.

    Origin of "Raise the bar"

    The origin of the idiom "raise the bar" can be traced back to the sport of track and field. In this context, the "bar" refers to the horizontal pole that athletes must jump over in the high jump event. As athletes became more skilled and able to jump higher, the bar was raised to create a new challenge and to set a higher standard for future competitions.

    Over time, the phrase "raise the bar" became a common metaphor for setting higher standards or expectations in any area of life. It is now widely used in various contexts, from personal and professional development to sports and other competitive activities. The idiom continues to evolve and be used in new ways, but its origins can be traced back to the athletic world.