get over the bar

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "get over the bar" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts such as sports, particularly in reference to jumping events like high jump or pole vault, where an athlete must clear a physical bar. Example: "In order to win the competition, she needs to get over the bar set at 1.80 meters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"I thought it was going to be terrible because I just couldn't get over the bar".

The Guardian - Sport

If you're doing lots of half-press-ups, or pull-ups where your chin doesn't get over the bar, you won't see any improvement in six months' time.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Regardless, it will be a little harder for Ernie Davis students to get over the bar this year, since the improvement target set by the state will be a little higher.

The New York Times

Dan O'Brien aced nine events in the decathlon trials in 1992, but he could not get over the bar in the pole vault and was thereby denied a trip to Barcelona.

The New York Times - Sports

My mind was driving my body to work out the best way to get over the bar".

TechCrunch

There's nothing helping you get over the bar.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"More kids now are getting over the bar".

The New York Times

"I wouldn't call it pole-vaulting, just holding on for dear life and getting over the bar," Dragila said.

The New York Times - Sports

Qnexa's performance as a weight-loss drug just got over the bar the FDA has set for effectiveness in weight-loss drugs.

Los Angeles Times

Others have failed to identify experts who will link symptoms with the medical device to get over the crucial bar of showing causation.

Forbes

Then simply jump up and get over pretending the bar is there.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "get over the bar" when you want to convey the idea of meeting a specific standard or overcoming a defined obstacle. It's suitable in contexts where a clear benchmark exists.

Common error

Avoid using "get over the bar" in situations where a more general sense of improvement or progress is intended. It's best when there's a literal or figurative 'bar' to surpass, rather than just a desire for overall advancement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get over the bar" functions as an idiomatic expression. It commonly signifies surpassing a challenge, achieving a required standard, or successfully reaching a specific goal. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Reference

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "get over the bar" is an idiomatic expression indicating the successful attainment of a certain standard or overcoming a specific obstacle. Ludwig AI confirms it's correct and usable. It's grammatically sound and mostly appears in news, wiki and business contexts. While not overly formal, it finds utility in various settings. Related phrases include "meet the standard", "overcome the challenge", and "achieve the objective". Ensure its usage is confined to scenarios with a literal or figurative 'bar' to surpass to avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

overcome the challenge

Highlights the successful navigation of a difficult situation or problem.

clear the hurdle

Focuses on overcoming a specific obstacle or difficulty, similar to the literal sense of clearing a physical bar.

surmount the obstacle

Emphasizes the act of overcoming a significant impediment or challenge.

pass the test

Highlights successfully completing an evaluation or assessment.

meet the standard

Focuses on reaching a required level of performance or quality.

reach the goal

Similar to achieve the objective, but emphasizes the end result.

achieve the objective

Stresses the successful attainment of a specific goal or target.

exceed expectations

Goes beyond the required or anticipated level of performance.

rise above adversity

Focuses on overcoming difficult or unfavorable circumstances.

break through limitations

Emphasizes surpassing personal or external restrictions.

FAQs

How can I use "get over the bar" in a sentence?

You can use "get over the bar" to describe meeting a standard, for instance, "The company needs to improve its sales to "get over the bar" for profitability this quarter".

What does it mean to "get over the bar"?

To "get over the bar" means to successfully reach a certain level or standard that has been set, or to overcome a specific obstacle.

What can I say instead of "get over the bar"?

You can use alternatives like "meet the standard", "achieve the objective", or "overcome the challenge" depending on the context.

Is "get over the bar" formal or informal?

"Get over the bar" is generally considered an informal or neutral expression, suitable for everyday conversation and writing. More formal situations might call for a substitute like "meet the standard".