going over the bar

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "going over the bar" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts such as sports, particularly in reference to high jump or pole vault, or metaphorically to indicate surpassing a standard or expectation. Example: "After months of training, she finally succeeded in going over the bar and setting a new personal record."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

He [Gerken] has just misread the flight of it; he obviously thought it was going over the bar".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The initiative then swung back towards Mauricio Pellegrino's side and Soldado might have doubled their lead but his header in the 65th minute went over the bar by inches.

The Guardian - Sport

It brushed Cech's fingertips and went over the bar.

The Guardian - Sport

Gyan tries an overhead kick which goes over the bar.

The Guardian - Sport

"Apparently I go into a little ball when I go over the bar".

The New York Times - Sports

But his sharp header rises just as fast as he does and goes over the bar.

The New York Times

"You can't go over the bar head first," she said.

The Guardian - Sport

The fleet had all gone over the bar the day before, and lay at anchor in line of battle off Morris Island in the main ship channel.

The New York Times

The pole totally vertical now, Dare seemed to kick as though he had gone over the bar.

The New York Times - Sports

In fact, he managed to force a save from Hammers goalkeeper Adrian, which is more than Eriksen can claim as his effort went over the bar.

Independent

Atletico struggled to penetrate a physical Madrid, who limited their opponents' opportunities to a long-range effort from Gabi that went over the bar and set pieces.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing athletic achievements, use "going over the bar" to vividly depict the action of clearing a physical barrier in sports like high jump or pole vault.

Common error

Avoid using "going over the bar" literally when the intended meaning is metaphorical. Instead, opt for phrases like "exceeding expectations" or "surpassing the limit" to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "going over the bar" is as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun. As seen in Ludwig, it describes an action, particularly in sports contexts, where the act of clearing a physical bar is central.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

18%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

4%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "going over the bar" is a versatile gerund phrase, predominantly used to describe the action of clearing a physical barrier in sports like high jump or pole vault. Ludwig confirms that its usage extends metaphorically to mean surpassing expectations or overcoming challenges. Predominantly found in News & Media, its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse contexts. Related phrases include "clearing the bar" and "exceeding expectations". Remember to use it appropriately, distinguishing between literal and metaphorical meanings for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clearing the bar

Focuses on the action of successfully passing the bar, commonly used in sports contexts.

surpassing the limit

Emphasizes exceeding a defined boundary or restriction, applicable in various scenarios.

exceeding expectations

Highlights surpassing anticipated outcomes, suitable for performance-based contexts.

transcending limitations

Implies overcoming inherent restrictions, often used in philosophical or personal development contexts.

rising above the challenge

Stresses overcoming a difficult situation, focusing on the effort and success.

passing the test

Focuses on successfully completing an assessment or trial, suitable for evaluative scenarios.

achieving the goal

Highlights the attainment of a specific objective, applicable in various goal-oriented contexts.

topping the standard

Emphasizes exceeding a set level of quality or performance, often used in competitive scenarios.

getting over the hurdle

Implies overcoming an obstacle or difficulty, often used metaphorically.

reaching the peak

Highlights achieving the highest point or level, suitable for accomplishment-oriented contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "going over the bar" to describe the action of clearing a physical barrier in sports, such as "The athlete succeeded in going over the bar and winning the competition". It can also be used metaphorically to mean exceeding a limit or expectation.

What does "going over the bar" mean in sports?

In sports like high jump or pole vault, "going over the bar" refers to the act of successfully jumping or vaulting over the horizontal bar without knocking it down. It signifies a successful attempt and advancement in the competition.

What can I say instead of "going over the bar" when speaking metaphorically?

When used metaphorically, you can replace "going over the bar" with phrases like "exceeding expectations", "surpassing the limit", or "rising above the challenge" depending on the specific context.

Is "going over the bar" different from "clearing the bar"?

"Going over the bar" and "clearing the bar" are very similar and often interchangeable. However, "clearing the bar" might emphasize the successful completion of the action slightly more, while "going over the bar" focuses on the action itself.