make the grade

Idioms

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]

Example 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

Antinisca is looking ready to go, but it's not clear whether Beatrice will make the grade.

From BBC • Dec. 8, 2023

The class’s first video to make the grade showed scenes from campus edited together.

From New York Times • Apr. 4, 2023

Now only, you cannot make the grade, poor child.

From Edgar Saltus: The Man by Saltus, Marie

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023