raises the bar
Sets higher expectations
To raise the bar is to set a higher standard of performance or quality.
The metaphor comes from high jump and pole vault, where the bar is literally raised after each successful attempt.
Someone who raises the bar makes it harder for others—or themselves—to succeed by the old measure: Her debut novel raised the bar for the entire genre.
Often used in competitive or professional contexts where expectations keep escalating.
- improvesGets better gradually
- gets betterIncreases in quality
- excellenceOutstanding quality or merit
- encourageUrge forward with support
- benchmarkStandard for comparison
best in class · outperform · up the ante · pushes the envelope · next level · rivalry · surpass · new heights · breakthrough · game changer · empower · threshold · contest · trailblazer · advancement · goal-setting · peak performance · mastery
- superlativesexcellent, superb, best, outstanding, supreme
raises the barlowers the bar
Reduces expected quality
dumbs down · waters down · races to the bottom · cuts corners · grades on a curve
raises the bartakes it easy
Remains calm, unhurried
eases up · lets slide · simplifies · spoon-feeds · hand-holds
raise, raises, raised, raising, raiser, raisers, barred, barring, barman