What Does “Raise the Bar” Mean?

The phrase “raise the bar” is often used to describe setting a higher standard or expectation. It comes from the world of sports, where athletes literally raise a bar to challenge themselves in events like high jump or pole vault.

In everyday language, “raise the bar” refers to improving the quality of work, performance, or results. For example, you might say, “They’ve really raised the bar with this project,” to highlight significant improvements or achievements.

This phrase is commonly used in both professional and casual settings to describe pushing for better outcomes or higher performance. It’s a great way to recognize someone’s effort to go above and beyond.

Watch the video to see examples and learn how to use “raise the bar” in your conversations to sound more natural and fluent!