move the bar

USAGE SUMMARY

"move the bar" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to raise or increase the standard or expectation for something. Example: "After receiving negative feedback, the company knew it had to move the bar for their new product to be successful."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

But whoever comes along next will move the bar further and do it without ropes or bottled oxygen".

The Guardian

But after winning the competition at 14-9, Drasked asked to move the bar up to world-record height.

The New York Times - Sports

Then Dragila asked to move the bar up to 15-2 1/4 for a chance to break the world record.

The New York Times - Sports

(The big question post-Steve Jobs is whether Apple can continue to move the bar. But that's another topic for a separate article).

The Guardian - Tech

And to think she might not have surpassed 5-8 if she had not asked meet officials to move the bar and mat back a few feet.

The New York Times - Sports

"So when you ran for office you built a tremendous amount of trust with the American people, that you seemed like someone who wouldn't move the bar on us," she said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

For many, moving the bar wouldn't be good enough.

The Washington Post

Balmain moved the bar up, but Givenchy and Prada have moved in that direction, too.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This might involve changing the entertainment, moving the bar over the course of the evening or designing the room so people move through different-size spaces.

The New York Times

Moving the bar up to 10percentt would make a repeat of problems of the last year much less likely.

The New York Times

But if they moved the bar up even an inch, the vaulter would hit it every time.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience when using this phrase; while widely understood, more formal contexts might benefit from synonyms like "raise the standard" or "elevate the benchmark".

Common error

Avoid using "move the bar" when referring to small, incremental improvements. This phrase is best suited for significant advancements or changes in expectations, not minor adjustments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "move the bar" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as a predicate in a sentence. Ludwig AI shows that it describes the action of increasing or elevating standards, expectations, or levels of performance. It signifies a shift towards higher goals or benchmarks.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Wiki

20%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Academia

8%

Reference

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "move the bar" is a versatile and commonly used expression that signifies raising standards or expectations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread application across various contexts, ranging from news and media to science and technology. While suitable for most situations, choosing more formal synonyms like "raise the standard" may be appropriate in certain professional settings. When using "move the bar", ensure the context clarifies what specific benchmark is being elevated. Overall, this phrase effectively conveys the idea of pushing boundaries and striving for excellence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

raise the standard

Focuses on increasing the level of quality or achievement considered acceptable or desirable.

raise the benchmark

Implies setting a new, higher point of reference against which others are measured.

increase the expectation

Highlights the act of setting higher hopes or demands for future performance.

set a higher standard

Emphasizes the act of establishing an elevated level of quality or performance.

improve the quality

Directly addresses the enhancement of the characteristics and features of something.

elevate the game

Suggests raising the level of competition or performance in a particular field.

set a new precedent

Indicates establishing a new standard or example that will be followed in the future.

turn up the heat

Suggests intensifying the pressure or level of effort required.

take it up a notch

Informal way of saying to increase the level or intensity of something.

redefine excellence

Implies changing the very definition of what is considered outstanding or superior.

FAQs

What does it mean to "move the bar"?

To "move the bar" means to raise standards or expectations, setting a new, higher level of performance or achievement.

How can I use "move the bar" in a sentence?

Example: "Their latest innovation has really "moved the bar" for the entire industry."

Are there alternative ways to say "move the bar"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "raise the standard", "set a higher standard", or "increase expectations" depending on the context.

Is "move the bar" a formal or informal expression?

"Move the bar" is generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for both professional and informal contexts. However, in very formal settings, you might opt for a more sophisticated synonym.