make the grade
To reach the required standard
Wörtlich: To create or achieve the mark/rank
Use this to say someone or something has reached the necessary level of quality to succeed.
In 15 Sekunden
- To be good enough for a specific standard or goal.
- Used for people, products, or performance in various settings.
- Implies meeting a requirement after being evaluated or tested.
Bedeutung
It means you are good enough to pass a test or meet a specific standard. If you 'make the grade', you've reached the level required to succeed.
Wichtige Beispiele
3 von 6Reviewing a job applicant
He has great experience, but his coding skills didn't quite make the grade.
He has great experience, but his coding skills didn't quite reach the required standard.
Trying a new restaurant
The pizza was okay, but the service definitely didn't make the grade.
The pizza was okay, but the service definitely wasn't good enough.
Texting a friend about a date
He was nice, but I don't think he's going to make the grade for a second date!
He was nice, but I don't think he meets my standards for a second date!
Kultureller Hintergrund
The phrase blends the academic world of letter grades with the physical challenge of railroads climbing steep inclines. It became a staple of American English in the early 20th century, reflecting a culture obsessed with merit and measurable success. Today, it is used globally in English-speaking business environments to discuss KPIs and quality standards.
Use it for 'Just Barely'
Often, we use this phrase to say someone 'just' made it. For example: 'He barely made the grade.' It adds drama to the success!
Don't confuse with 'Grading'
If a teacher is 'grading' papers, they are marking them. If a student 'makes the grade', they passed. Don't say 'I am making the grade' if you mean you are doing homework.
In 15 Sekunden
- To be good enough for a specific standard or goal.
- Used for people, products, or performance in various settings.
- Implies meeting a requirement after being evaluated or tested.
What It Means
Imagine you are trying out for a sports team. There is a line you must cross to get in. If you cross it, you make the grade. It is about being 'good enough' for a specific purpose. It is not just about school. It applies to jobs, relationships, and even your morning coffee.
How To Use It
You use this phrase when there is a standard involved. You can use it positively: 'He finally made the grade.' You can also use it negatively: 'The old car didn't make the grade.' It usually follows a period of effort or evaluation. It feels active and decisive. Use it to describe people, products, or even ideas.
When To Use It
Use it when discussing performance at work. It is great for talking about quality control. Use it when choosing between options. For example, if you are dating, does the person meet your standards? If they do, they make the grade. It works well in casual chats and professional reviews. It adds a bit of flavor to your English.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for purely emotional states. You wouldn't say 'I made the grade of happy.' It requires a benchmark or a goal. Avoid using it in very tragic situations. It might sound too cold or analytical. If someone fails a deeply personal goal, be careful. It implies a 'pass/fail' logic that might be too harsh.
Cultural Background
This phrase likely comes from the American school system. In the 1800s, 'grades' became the standard for measuring progress. However, 'grade' also refers to the steepness of a slope. To make the grade meant a train could climb a hill. It represents the grit of the industrial age. It is a very 'can-do' Western expression.
Common Variations
You might hear people say 'cut the mustard' instead. That is a bit more old-fashioned. 'Pass muster' is another similar version used in formal settings. Some people just say 'measure up.' But make the grade remains the most common and versatile choice. It sounds modern yet established.
Nutzungshinweise
The phrase is neutral and works in almost any setting. Just remember it implies a standard exists. If there is no clear 'pass/fail' criteria, the phrase might feel slightly out of place.
Use it for 'Just Barely'
Often, we use this phrase to say someone 'just' made it. For example: 'He barely made the grade.' It adds drama to the success!
Don't confuse with 'Grading'
If a teacher is 'grading' papers, they are marking them. If a student 'makes the grade', they passed. Don't say 'I am making the grade' if you mean you are doing homework.
The 'Mustard' Connection
In the UK and US, 'cut the mustard' is a sister phrase. If you want to sound more 'old-school cool', try swapping them occasionally.
Beispiele
6He has great experience, but his coding skills didn't quite make the grade.
He has great experience, but his coding skills didn't quite reach the required standard.
Used here to explain why someone wasn't hired based on a technical skill.
The pizza was okay, but the service definitely didn't make the grade.
The pizza was okay, but the service definitely wasn't good enough.
A common way to critique quality in a casual setting.
He was nice, but I don't think he's going to make the grade for a second date!
He was nice, but I don't think he meets my standards for a second date!
A playful, slightly humorous way to talk about dating standards.
I trained all summer because I really wanted to make the grade for the varsity team.
I trained all summer because I really wanted to be good enough for the varsity team.
Reflects the effort required to reach a specific level.
This design is beautiful, but will it make the grade during safety testing?
This design is beautiful, but will it reach the required safety standards?
Focused on meeting official regulations or requirements.
The sequel was fun, but it just didn't make the grade compared to the original.
The sequel was fun, but it just wasn't as good as the original.
Used to compare two things against a high standard.
Teste dich selbst
Choose the correct word to complete the idiom.
I worked hard on the presentation, but my boss said it didn't ___ the grade.
The standard idiom is 'make the grade'. While 'get a grade' is for school, 'make the grade' means meeting a standard.
Select the best context for this phrase.
Which of these is a natural use of 'make the grade'?
This phrase is used for meeting standards or passing tests, not for physical tasks like making a bed or baking.
🎉 Ergebnis: /2
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Formality of 'Make the Grade'
Used with friends about movies or food.
That burger didn't make the grade.
Common in workplace discussions.
The report didn't quite make the grade.
Used in professional evaluations.
The candidate failed to make the grade.
When to use 'Make the Grade'
Job Performance
Meeting your monthly sales targets.
Quality Control
Checking if a product is safe to sell.
Personal Standards
Deciding if a new hobby is worth your time.
Sports/Competitions
Qualifying for the final round of a race.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenYes! You can say 'The new intern didn't make the grade' or 'This laptop doesn't make the grade.' It is very flexible.
Not at all. While often used negatively (didn't make the grade), it is a great way to praise someone who finally succeeded: 'You finally made the grade!'
Not exactly. It means meeting the *minimum* required standard to be accepted or successful, though it can imply high quality too.
Yes, it is perfectly fine for business. It sounds professional but not overly stiff, like saying The results were unsatisfactory.
Usually, no. The idiom is almost always singular: make the grade. Using the plural sounds like you are literally talking about school report cards.
You can say someone fell short or missed the mark. These are great alternatives if you want to vary your vocabulary.
Yes, it is widely understood and used in both American and British English, as well as Australian English.
Passing a test is literal. Making the grade is more metaphorical. You can 'make the grade' in a relationship, but you don't usually 'pass a test' in one.
Absolutely. If a meal isn't as good as you expected, you can say It didn't quite make the grade.
Yes, it is a 'B2' level idiom, meaning it is very common in daily conversation and media.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Cut the mustard
To come up to expectations or be good enough.
Measure up
To reach the required standard or be as good as expected.
Pass muster
To be accepted as satisfactory.
Up to par
Meeting the normal or expected standard.
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