Set the bar high
Meaning
To establish a very challenging standard or demanding expectation for performance or achievement.
Origin
Imagine a high jumper, poised at the edge of the pit, eyeing the horizontal bar that separates them from a new record. This simple, dramatic image from track and field is the literal heart of "set the bar high." The bar's position dictates the difficulty of the jump; a higher bar means a more demanding feat. As competitive sports flourished in the 20th century, particularly in America, this athletic metaphor leaped from the field into everyday language. It became a powerful way to describe establishing ambitious goals, pushing limits, and challenging oneself or others to reach for peak performance, carrying with it the visual excitement and determination of a world-class athlete.
Examples
- The new CEO decided to set the bar high for quarterly sales, challenging the entire team to exceed previous records.
- Even as a beginner, she chose to set the bar high for herself, aiming to complete the marathon in under four hours.