Phrase guide

raise the bar

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.

  • Australia: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To raise standards or expectations, especially by creating something to a higher standard.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • Acme's new technology will raise the bar for the entire industry.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: lift the bar

Antonyms: lower the bar

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

10 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Bulgarian: да вди́гна ле́твата (da vdígna létvata) — to raise standards
  • Finnish: nostaa rimaa — to raise standards
  • French: mettre la barre plus haut — to raise standards
  • Hungarian: megemeli a mércét — to raise standards
  • Italian: alzare l'asticella — to raise standards
  • Polish: podnosić poprzeczkę — to raise standards
  • Polish: podnieść poprzeczkę — to raise standards
  • Portuguese: levantar o padrão — to raise standards
  • Russian: подня́ть планку (podnjátʹ planku) — to raise standards
  • Swedish: höja ribban — to raise standards