push the bar higher

USAGE SUMMARY

"push the bar higher" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to suggest a higher goal or standard of achievement. For example: "Our ultimate goal should be to push the bar higher and exceed expectations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

With Marvel and DC films lined up from now until at least 2020, there's plenty of time for the gaming industry to push the bar higher, and get it right.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

We need to keep on working hard and pushing the bar higher and higher.

The Guardian - Sport

His group, he explained, is built on the principle of "always pushing the bar higher in believing in people, that they all have potential".

The New York Times

The technology ecosystem is best served by companies pushing the bar higher and higher, raising it for one another and customers alike.

TechCrunch

The company pioneered the crowdsourced Our Story three years ago at the EDC music fest, and now it's back pushing the bar higher.

TechCrunch

Then, injury-plagued starting pitchers Kevin Brown and Darren Dreifort pushed the bar higher with strong spring performances, so third place isn't good enough this time.

Los Angeles Times

"So I sang it," she said, "and they looked at me like, 'Are you expecting us to sing what you just sang?' And I said, 'Yeah.' For me, it was to see if I could push the bar a little bit higher and in the midst of that add the harmonies, which are very challenging.

The New York Times - Arts

All you can do is push the bar up.

The Guardian - Music

Last September Apple pushed the bar even higher, with the launch of the iPhone 6S.

The Guardian - Tech

However, automotive vision pushes the bar substantially higher in terms of performance requirements.

European Transport Research Review

The late, great icon also earned another plaque this month, as his biggest title, Thriller, was certified 33-times pushingm, pushing the bar even higher when it comes to the bestselling and most popular album of all time.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "push the bar higher" to encourage continuous improvement and to challenge individuals or teams to exceed their current capabilities.

Common error

Avoid using "push the bar higher" when simply maintaining existing standards is sufficient. This phrase implies a need for significant advancement, not just upholding the status quo.

Linguistic Context

"Push the bar higher" serves as an idiomatic expression that functions as a motivational imperative. It's designed to encourage raising standards and exceeding current levels of performance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to suggest a higher goal or standard of achievement.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "push the bar higher" is a commonly used idiomatic phrase that encourages striving for improvement and exceeding current standards. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability in written English. Its function is primarily motivational, encouraging individuals to aim for greater achievements. While originating from a range of sources, authoritative outlets like The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ the phrase. Remember to use it to encourage significant advancement, rather than simple maintenance of existing standards. Consider alternatives like "raise the standard" or "exceed expectations" depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

raise the bar

A very similar phrase, differing only in verb tense and conjugation.

exceed current standards

Highlights going beyond the present level of quality or performance.

set a higher standard

Focuses on establishing a new, more demanding level of quality or achievement.

raise the standard

Focuses on elevating the existing benchmark.

surpass expectations

Emphasizes exceeding what is anticipated or predicted.

elevate expectations

Emphasizes increasing the level of anticipation.

outperform previous results

Focuses on achieving better outcomes than in the past.

improve performance

Highlights the act of enhancing skills or output.

increase the level

Refers to making something greater in quantity or intensity.

break new ground

Suggests innovating and achieving something never done before.

FAQs

What does it mean to "push the bar higher"?

To "push the bar higher" means to aim for a higher standard of performance or achievement, constantly seeking improvement and exceeding expectations.

How can I use "push the bar higher" in a sentence?

You might say, "Our team needs to "push the bar higher" to stay competitive in the market."

What's a similar expression to "push the bar higher"?

Similar expressions include "raise the standard", "exceed expectations", or "set a higher standard", all implying striving for greater achievement.

When is it appropriate to use "push the bar higher" versus "maintain the bar"?

"Push the bar higher" is appropriate when aiming for improvement and growth, while "maintain the bar" implies sustaining current standards without necessarily seeking advancement. They have different meanings and implications.