raise the bar

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raise the bar (third-person singular simple present raises the bar, present participle raising the bar, simple past and past participle raised the bar)

1. (idiomatic) To raise standards or expectations, especially by creating something to a higher standard.

   Synonym: lift the bar

   Antonym: lower the bar

   Acme's new technology will raise the bar for the entire industry.

• push the envelope
• set the bar

• “raise the bar” in Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English, Longman.