curb expectations

USAGE SUMMARY

"curb expectations" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to express the idea of controlling or moderating an overly optimistic outlook or expectation about something. For example, "I had to curb my expectations when I applied for the job, as I knew the competition was fierce."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Will avoiding that trap be enough to curb expectations of inflation?

The Economist

Structural economic changes, like an ageing population or a slowdown in innovation, could permanently curb expectations of growth.

The Economist

Italian diplomats tried hastily to curb expectations, but their caution was brushed aside by the prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi, who said he hoped to finalise an accord by the end of August.Like all former colonial relationships, that between Italy and Libya is delicate yet intimate.

The Economist

The Sports Illustrated essay was an admirable attempt to curb expectations, but the terms of the basketball-watching public's engagement with James have been clear for far too long: we have seen nothing quite like him, and so we accept from him nothing less than the heretofore impossible.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

It comes from the article "In Gloomy Economic Times, Santas Learn to Help by Curbing Expectations".

The New York Times

But most reformers appear to think Mr Boehner is acting in good faith.It is not clear, however, that he can bring his party with him; Republicans began curbing expectations as soon as the memo appeared.

The Economist

Investors expect the central bank to tighten monetary policy today, at its first meeting of the year on that topic, to curb inflation expectations for 2003, when the target is 3percentt.

The New York Times

Earlier this year, the Tokyo stock market had been troubled by high interest rates and a weak currency, and the Nikkei index of 225 stocks fell to 28,002.07 on April 2. The Nikkei then bounced back to above 33,000, but new concerns that the Bank of Japan would push interest rates higher to slow the economy and curb inflationary expectations started a new decline July 20.

The New York Times

While the product certainly is intriguing, curb your expectations as Delver has slapped an "Alpha" status on it.

TechCrunch

When you first start exercising in frigid temperatures, curb your expectations.

HuffPost

Santa is doing his best to curb the expectations of America's children, as many parents struggle to come up with the excess income to pay for gifts.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing project timelines or potential outcomes, use "curb expectations" to encourage a realistic assessment of what can be achieved, preventing disappointment later.

Common error

Avoid using "curb expectations" as an excuse to consistently underperform; instead, use it to promote honest and transparent communication about realistic possibilities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "curb expectations" functions as a directive or recommendation to moderate or control anticipations, often to avoid disappointment or ensure a realistic outlook. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "curb expectations" is a grammatically correct phrase used to advise moderation in anticipation, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While relatively rare in overall usage, it appears most frequently in News & Media and Academic contexts. Alternatives include "manage expectations" and "moderate expectations". It's essential to use this phrase to promote realism, but not as an excuse for underperformance. Always aim for transparency when setting realistic possibilities. Ludwig's examples further demonstrate its function in fostering realistic outlooks and managing potential disappointment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Manage expectations

Focuses on the active administration of expectations, similar to curbing them.

Moderate expectations

Emphasizes bringing expectations to a reasonable level.

Temper expectations

Suggests softening the intensity of expectations.

Lower expectations

Directly indicates reducing the level of anticipation.

Reduce anticipations

A more formal way of saying to lower expectations.

Dampen enthusiasm

Focuses on reducing excitement, which often drives expectations.

Set realistic goals

Shifts the focus to establishing achievable targets, thus managing expectations.

Keep a lid on hopes

An idiomatic expression for controlling overly optimistic feelings.

Downplay prospects

Suggests minimizing the perceived likelihood of success, influencing expectations.

Reframe perceptions

Focuses on altering the understanding of a situation to influence expectations.

FAQs

How can I use "curb expectations" in a sentence?

You can use "curb expectations" to advise someone to moderate their hopes or anticipations, as in, "The coach tried to curb expectations before the championship game".

What can I say instead of "curb expectations"?

You can use alternatives like "manage expectations", "moderate expectations", or "temper expectations" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "curb expectations" or "curb your enthusiasm"?

"Curb expectations" is used to moderate anticipations, while "curb your enthusiasm" is an idiom used to tell someone to reduce their excitement about something. They have different meanings and contexts.

What's the difference between "curb expectations" and "defy expectations"?

"Curb expectations" means to lower or control anticipations, whereas "defy expectations" means to act in a way that is contrary to what is anticipated or predicted.