make the grade

Idioms and Phrases

Satisfy the requirements, qualify; also, succeed. For example, Angela hoped her work in the new school would make the grade , or Barbara certainly has made the grade as a trial lawyer . This expression uses grade in the sense of “accepted standard.” [c. 1900]

Related Words

• administer
• conduct
• control
• deal with
• discuss
• employ
• exercise
• govern
• operate
• play
• serve
• supervise
• take
• treat
• use
• utilize
• work