Make the grade

verb

To achieve the standard of quality needed.

Only a few applicants made the grade at the interview.
Visual representation of "make the grade" - To achieve the standard of quality needed

Often appears as...

  • make the grade in sports
  • make the grade in school

Usage tips

Idiomatic

verb

To reach a required standard in a test.

He studied hard to make the grade on his final exams.
Visual representation of "make the grade" - To reach a required standard in a test

Often appears as...

  • make the grade in mathematics
  • make the grade in english

Usage tips

Academic

verb

To make a successful effort or to measure up to a certain standard.

She worked hard to make the grade in her new job.
Visual representation of "make the grade" - To make a successful effort or to measure up to a certain standard

Often appears as...

  • make the grade at competition
  • make the grade in training
verb

To achieve the standard of quality needed.

Only a few applicants made the grade at the interview.
Visual representation of "make the grade" - To achieve the standard of quality needed

Often appears as...

  • make the grade in sports
  • make the grade in school

Usage tips

Idiomatic

verb

To reach a required standard in a test.

He studied hard to make the grade on his final exams.
Visual representation of "make the grade" - To reach a required standard in a test

Often appears as...

  • make the grade in mathematics
  • make the grade in english

Usage tips

Academic

verb

To make a successful effort or to measure up to a certain standard.

She worked hard to make the grade in her new job.
Visual representation of "make the grade" - To make a successful effort or to measure up to a certain standard

Often appears as...

  • make the grade at competition
  • make the grade in training
Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "make the grade"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Quality Benchmark

The phrase is often used when certain standards are set for quality in professional or commercial situations.

Illustration for Quality Benchmark
Her handcrafted jewelry really made the grade and impressed the clients.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Graded

'Make the grade' does not relate to literal grades in school but to meeting a general standard.

Illustration for Not Graded
Despite his best efforts, his dessert did not make the grade at the cooking competition.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Workplace Relevance

Use it to talk about meeting expectations at work, like performance goals, not just about passing exams.

Illustration for Workplace Relevance
He's hoping that his project will make the grade in the annual review.
Visual representation of the word "Make the grade"

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