# lower the bar

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/lower-the-bar
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

to lower the standards of quality that are expected of or required for something.

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.