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.
Even this throughway soon couldn’t handle the traffic between Southern and Central California, and the incline was so dangerous that mule teams had to be summoned to rescue underpowered cars that couldn’t make the grade.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 1, 2026
Coltin Stidham wanted to be a pilot, but his eyesight didn’t make the grade.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 26, 2026
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
A stanza or two of that every few miles, and we'll make the grade all right.
From Partners of Chance by Henry Herbert Knibbs
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.
