make the grade
IdiomsExample Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Coltin Stidham wanted to be a pilot, but his eyesight didn’t make the grade.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 26, 2026
But the band’s early attempts to make the grade had fallen flat on its face.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 23, 2025
He made 55 appearances, scoring four goals, for United but was jettisoned by Erik ten Hag, who felt the winger wasn't going to make the grade.
From BBC ● Apr. 1, 2025
Organizers say it is a waste-free event, since they purchase oranges that don’t make the grade and would otherwise be tossed out.
From Seattle Times ● Feb. 14, 2024
We'll go down in history as just a couple of damn fools who tried to rule and couldn't make the grade.
From Empire by Simak, Clifford D.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
