raise the bar
Set higher expectations
To raise the bar is to set a higher standard of performance or achievement.
The metaphor comes from high jump and pole vault, where the bar is literally raised after each successful attempt.
When someone raises the bar, they establish new expectations that others must meet or exceed.
Her documentary raised the bar for investigative journalism.
The opposite expression, lower the bar, means to reduce standards or make something easier to achieve.
- up the anteIncrease what's risked
- benchmarkStandard for comparison
- push the envelopeChallenge established boundaries
- challengeTest of ability
- elevateTo raise upward
push · standard · world class · best in class · high-water mark · excellence · outperform · surpass · breakthrough · game changer · go the extra mile · yardstick · peak performance · effort · improve · mastery · lift · new heights
- competitioncompete, competitor, contender, winner, sports
- ambitionaspire, ambition, aspiration, goal, strive
- clichescliche, platitude, bromide, tired phrase, worn phrase
- idiomstime flies, hit the sack, seize the day, ring a bell, break a leg
- office jargonsynergy, circle back, touch base, deep dive, action item
- Standards & Benchmarksbenchmark, yardstick, gold standard, litmus test, acid test
raise the barlower the bar
Reduce required standards
dumb down · water down · settle for less · make allowances · grade on a curve
raise the barsimplify
Make less complex
soften · ease up · take it easy · pull punches · hand it to someone
raise the barrace to the bottom
Competition through degraded standards
coast · phone it in · stagnate · plateau
raise, raised, raising, bars, barred, barrage, barring, raises, raiser