PhrasesHub

set the bar high

    Definitions

      • establish high expectations
        To set a high standard or level of achievement for oneself or others to strive towards

      • challenge someone
        To present a difficult task or goal for someone to achieve, often as a way to push them to excel

    Examples of set the bar high

    • The Olympic games are known for setting the bar high in terms of athletic talent and performance. Each athlete strives to exceed their own personal best and compete at the highest level possible. This idiom is commonly used in sports to describe an individual or team with outstanding and exceptional skill.

      The phrase "set the bar high" in this example refers to the Olympic games being a standard of excellence that all athletes aspire to meet or surpass. It highlights the intense competition and high expectations that are inherent in such a prestigious and esteemed event.

    • In business, companies strive to set the bar high in terms of innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction. They aim to exceed their own previous accomplishments and be the industry leader in their respective fields. This idiom is also prevalent in the business world to describe organizations with a commitment to excellence and a strong focus on achieving success.

      The phrase "set the bar high" in this example signifies the high standards that companies aspire to attain in their products, services, and operations. It connotes a reputation for excellence and a commitment to being the best in the industry.

    • When it comes to studying, students are encouraged to set the bar high in terms of academic performance and intellectual pursuits. They are challenged to excel in their studies and strive for academic excellence. This idiom is commonly used in the educational context to describe students who are ambitious, diligent, and intellectually curious.

      The phrase "set the bar high" in this example implies that students are expected to pursue academic excellence and exceed their previous academic records. It highlights the high standards and expectations that are set for students in terms of their academic pursuits and intellectual growth.

    • In personal endeavors, individuals strive to set the bar high in terms of personal growth, self-improvement, and character development. They aspire to be the best version of themselves and rise above their personal limitations and challenges. This idiom is commonly used in personal development contexts to describe individuals with a commitment to personal growth and self-improvement.

      The phrase "set the bar high" in this example signifies the high standards and expectations that individuals set for themselves in terms of personal growth and self-improvement. It connotes a person who is ambitious, self-motivated, and committed to personal development and growth.

    • The university has set the bar high for academic excellence, and we are confident that our students will rise to meet these expectations.

      This example demonstrates the use of the idiom in a context related to academic performance. When an institution sets the bar high, it means they have established rigorous standards that students must meet to succeed. In this case, the university has set high standards for academic excellence, and the students are expected to meet these expectations to succeed academically.

    • Our sales team has set the bar high for sales performance, and we are proud of their efforts.

      This example demonstrates the use of the idiom in a business context. When a sales team sets the bar high, it means they have established a high level of performance that other teams or individuals must meet in order to be successful. In this case, the sales team has set a high standard for sales performance, and the company is proud of their efforts to meet or exceed these standards.

    • The athlete set a high bar for herself in the competition, and she didn't disappoint, performing flawlessly under pressure.

      This example demonstrates the use of the idiom in a sports context. When an athlete sets a high bar, it means they have established a challenge or goal for themselves that is difficult to achieve. In this case, the athlete set a high bar for herself in the competition, and she was able to meet this challenge by performing flawlessly under pressure.

    • We must set the bar higher for customer satisfaction in order to stay ahead of our competitors.

      This example demonstrates the use of the idiom in a competitive context. When a company sets the bar higher for customer satisfaction, it means they are raising the standard of service they provide to meet or exceed the expectations of their customers. In this case, the company recognizes the need to set a higher standard for customer satisfaction in order to stay ahead of their competitors.


    Conclusion

    "Set the bar high" is an idiom that means to establish high expectations or challenge someone by presenting a difficult task or goal. When someone sets the bar high, they are aiming for excellence and pushing themselves or others to reach their full potential.

    This idiom is commonly used in various contexts, such as in the workplace, sports, education, and personal development. It is a way to inspire and motivate individuals to aim for success and strive for greatness. By setting the bar high, individuals are encouraged to push past their limits and achieve more than they thought possible.

    Overall, "set the bar high" is a powerful idiom that emphasizes the importance of aiming high and working towards ambitious goals in order to achieve success and excellence.

    Origin of "set the bar high"

    The origin of the idiom "set the bar high" can be traced back to the world of sports, specifically track and field events. In the high jump, athletes compete by jumping over a horizontal bar that is raised to different heights. The higher the bar is set, the more challenging it becomes for the athletes to clear it. Therefore, setting the bar high in this context means creating a difficult challenge for the competitors to overcome.

    Over time, the concept of setting the bar high has been adapted into various other areas of life outside of sports. It is now used metaphorically to refer to establishing high standards or goals in different situations, such as in academics, work, or personal aspirations. The idiom has become a common way to encourage individuals to strive for excellence and push themselves to achieve their best.