He worked hard, but he did not make the grade.
make the grade
idiomTo prove satisfactory; to be successful or worthy of merit.
Origin
disputed originProbably from a railway train climbing a length of track sloping uphill (a grade).
She practiced every day for the audition, hoping she would finally make the grade.
Despite his extensive experience in the field, he failed to make the grade during the final round of the rigorous selection process.
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cannot make it
Cannot reach satisfactory or expected standards or do something competently; describes someone in a hopeless situation.
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doctors make the worst patients
It is difficult to advise people on subjects that they are experts on.
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enough to make a cat laugh
Very outlandish or outrageous.
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enough to make the angels weep
Something so distressing that it causes one to lose hope and faith.
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fine feathers make fine birds
Something that appears beautiful or good is by definition beautiful or good.
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it takes all kinds to make a world
Diversity is essential: the world would be incomplete if everyone were alike; an expression of surprise at a person or people's eccentricity.
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it takes two to make a quarrel
It takes two or more people to cause a quarrel; one cannot blame an argument entirely on the other side.
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kiss and make up
To settle one's differences and forgive.