What does “Lower the bar” mean?

"Lower the bar" means to set a lower standard or expectation.

What context can I use the in?

Example

We shouldn't lower the bar just to make everyone feel included.

Example

The company decided to lower the bar for hiring new employees.

Example

By lowering the bar, we risk losing our competitive edge

Is “Lower the bar” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Lower the bar” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Lower the bar” effectively in context?

You can use "Lower the Bar" to describe the act of setting a lower standard or expectation. It implies that the original standard or expectation was too high and needs to be adjusted. For example, if a teacher decides to make a test easier to ensure that all students pass, you might say, 'The teacher decided to lower the bar to make it more achievable for everyone.'

1Education
The school board voted to lower the bar for graduation requirements, allowing more students to receive their diplomas.
2Business
In order to attract more customers, the company decided to lower the bar for their pricing, offering discounts and promotions.
3Competition
By lowering the bar, the team risked losing their competitive edge and falling behind their rivals.

Similar phrases to “Lower the bar”:

Set the bar low

To establish a low standard or expectation

Example

By setting the bar low, they ensured that everyone would meet the requirements.

Ease up

To relax or reduce expectations or demands

Example

The coach decided to ease up on the training schedule to prevent burnout.

Dumb down

To simplify or make something less complex or challenging

Example

The textbook was dumbed down to make it more accessible to younger students.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Lower the bar” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Lower the Bar" is unknown.

Is “Lower the bar” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Lower the Bar" is a commonly used expression in everyday conversation. People often use it to discuss situations where standards or expectations are being adjusted or compromised.

What tone does “Lower the bar” have?

"Lower the Bar" conveys a tone of compromise or leniency. It suggests that the original standard or expectation was too high and needed to be adjusted to accommodate different circumstances or individuals.

Can “Lower the bar” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "Lower the Bar" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that can be used in various contexts, such as education, business, or sports. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, colleagues, or in more formal situations like presentations or meetings.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The company decided to lower the bar for hiring new employees.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "lower the bar"!' to imply the need to adjust expectations.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

adjust the standard
compromise the expectation
relax the criteria
lower the threshold
reduce the requirement

Antonyms

raise the bar
set higher standards
increase the expectation
elevate the criteria
raise the threshold