ENGLISH
REFERENCE

measure up

idiom
Meaning

To meet expectations; to be as good as.


Examples
SIMPLE

His new work does not measure up to his old work.

CONTEXTUAL

She worked hard on the project, but she worried that her final result would not measure up to the boss's high standards.

COMPLEX

Despite his impressive credentials and years of experience, he struggled to measure up to the immense responsibilities required by his new position at the firm.

Anchors to
Related idioms4entries
  1. 01

    in no small measure

    To a very great extent.

  2. 02

    last full measure

    A person's life, when lost through death in service to a nation or cause, particularly as a member of a military force in war or a semi-militarized organization such as a police force or civil defense corps, e.g. fire departments. May also be applied to some dangerous government and civil occupations such as espionage.

  3. 03

    measure swords with

    To match one's abilities against an antagonist's.

  4. 04

    measure the drapes

    To make premature or unwarranted preparations for victory, especially election to public office.

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