The idiom "raise the bar" means to set a higher standard or expectation for something or someone. It is often used to describe a situation where someone has achieved a certain level of success or accomplishment, and then they strive to do even better.
For example, if a student gets an A on a test, their teacher might tell them that they have raised the bar for themselves and should continue to work hard to maintain that level of success. Similarly, if a company achieves a certain level of sales, they may set a new goal to raise the bar and increase their sales even further.
The phrase can also be used in a more general sense to describe any situation where someone is trying to improve themselves or their performance. For instance, if someone is trying to get in better shape, they might say that they are raising the bar for their fitness goals.
Overall, "raise the bar" is a positive and motivational phrase that encourages people to strive for excellence and to never settle for mediocrity.
• The author's latest novel has raised the bar for literary excellence in modern literature.
• The new restaurant in town has raised the bar for quality food and service.
• I want to raise the bar for my English skills by learning new vocabulary every day.
• The athlete's exceptional performance has raised the bar for women's sports.
• As a teacher, I strive to raise the bar for my students' critical thinking skills.
• The company's new marketing strategy has raised the bar for customer engagement.