lower the bar
to lower the standards of quality that are expected of or required for something.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The company decided to lower the bar for new applicants.”
“By accepting such poor quality work, the manager has started to lower the bar for the entire team.”
“Critics argue that the university will inevitably lower the bar for academic excellence if it continues to prioritize enrollment numbers over rigorous testing standards.”
- 01
all over bar the shouting
Of an activity where the result is known, but may be subject to change, due to it not being officially finished or announced.
- 02
bar none
Without exception; excluding nothing else of the same kind.
- 03
bar sinister
The state or characteristic of having been born out of wedlock; illegitimacy; bastardy.
- 04
bar star
A woman who frequents bars or lounges, usually late at night.
- 05
belly up to the bar
To commit oneself to a challenge or task; to accept a responsibility; to acknowledge a fact.
- 06
call to the bar
Admission to practice in the courts.
- 07
have one's ears lowered
To get a haircut.
- 08
know from a bar of soap
To know; to be acquainted with (a person).
Last updated August 10, 2026