make the grade
mayk thuh GRAYD
/meɪk ðə ɡreɪd/
To reach a necessary standard; to succeed in doing something.
Often used when there is a specific threshold or requirement to be met.
The story behind the word. This likely comes from the school system, where a 'grade' is a mark of quality or achievement. To 'make' the grade means to reach the level required to pass.
Word relationships
- qualify: 'Qualify' is more formal and often refers to legal or official requirements.
- fall short: To fall short is to fail to reach the required level.
Commonly confused with
- cut the mustard: Both mean meeting a standard, but 'cut the mustard' is more informal and often used in the negative.
Collocations
- didn't make the grade
- just make the grade
- fail to make the grade
Example sentences
- "He trained hard all summer, but he still didn't make the grade for the varsity team." Sports selection
- "These components are tested rigorously to ensure they make the grade for aerospace use." Quality control
Memory hook
Think of a student looking at a report card and seeing the passing grade they needed. Meeting the mark.
When not to use
Not used for 'accidental' success; it implies effort to meet a standard.
Fun facts
- In the 19th century, 'grade' also referred to the steepness of a railroad track, which engines had to 'make' or climb.
Related words
Explore more words
make progress, surpass, standard, make an effort, cope, Stipulate
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