high expectations
توقعات عالية
Use it to describe the high standards you hold for yourself, others, or experiences you anticipate.
En 15 secondes
- Believing that someone or something should perform at a high level.
- Commonly used in work, school, and when reviewing products or experiences.
- Can be a compliment or a source of pressure depending on context.
Signification
When you have high expectations, you believe that something or someone should be excellent or perform at a very top level. It is that feeling of waiting for something great to happen because you know it is possible.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Discussing a new movie
I have high expectations for the sequel because the first movie was a masterpiece.
I have high expectations for the sequel because the first movie was a masterpiece.
Job interview
I always set high expectations for myself to ensure the best results.
I always set high expectations for myself to ensure the best results.
Texting a friend about a date
He's taking me to that 5-star place, so I have pretty high expectations!
He's taking me to that 5-star place, so I have pretty high expectations!
Contexte culturel
The phrase is deeply rooted in the meritocratic ideals of English-speaking societies, where setting a high bar is seen as a sign of ambition. It gained even more cultural weight through Charles Dickens' famous novel 'Great Expectations.' Today, it is a staple of corporate 'HR speak' and motivational coaching.
The 'Live Up To' Connection
If something matches your high expectations, we often say it 'lived up to' them. It's a very common pairing!
Don't Sound Arrogant
Saying 'I have high expectations' can sometimes sound a bit bossy. Add 'I'm really hoping for...' to sound friendlier.
En 15 secondes
- Believing that someone or something should perform at a high level.
- Commonly used in work, school, and when reviewing products or experiences.
- Can be a compliment or a source of pressure depending on context.
What It Means
High expectations is all about the bar you set in your mind. If you go to a fancy restaurant, you expect amazing food. You have high expectations for the meal. It is not just a hope. It is a standard you believe should be met. It can apply to people, events, or even yourself. Sometimes it is a compliment. Other times, it is a lot of pressure!
How To Use It
You usually use this phrase with verbs like have, set, or meet. You can say, "I have high expectations for this movie." If the movie is bad, it "didn't meet my high expectations." You can also use it to describe a boss or a parent. "My coach has high expectations for the team." It sounds natural in almost any sentence about standards.
When To Use It
Use it when discussing goals or quality. It is perfect for a job interview. Tell them you set high expectations for your own work. Use it with friends when talking about a new iPhone or a vacation. It works well when you are excited about something big. It shows you care about quality.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using it for very small, unimportant things. Don't say you have high expectations for a 50-cent pack of gum. That sounds a bit dramatic! Also, be careful using it with people who are already stressed. Telling a struggling friend you have high expectations for them might feel like a heavy weight. Use hope instead to be gentler.
Cultural Background
In Western culture, especially in the US and UK, high expectations are often linked to the "American Dream" or a "growth mindset." There is a big focus on constantly improving. Schools and workplaces often use this phrase to motivate people. However, there is a growing conversation about the stress this causes. People now talk about "managing expectations" to stay happy.
Common Variations
You might hear people say great expectations, which is also a famous book title! You can also say someone is exceeding expectations. That is the best feeling. It means they did even better than you imagined. If someone is too picky, you might say they have unrealistic expectations. That means they want the impossible, like a cat that cleans its own litter box.
Notes d'usage
This is a neutral-to-formal collocation. It's safe for work and home. Just remember that 'setting' expectations is for the future, while 'meeting' them is for the result.
The 'Live Up To' Connection
If something matches your high expectations, we often say it 'lived up to' them. It's a very common pairing!
Don't Sound Arrogant
Saying 'I have high expectations' can sometimes sound a bit bossy. Add 'I'm really hoping for...' to sound friendlier.
The Dickens Factor
If someone mentions 'Great Expectations' with a wink, they are likely referencing the famous novel by Charles Dickens!
Exemples
6I have high expectations for the sequel because the first movie was a masterpiece.
I have high expectations for the sequel because the first movie was a masterpiece.
Expressing anticipation based on previous quality.
I always set high expectations for myself to ensure the best results.
I always set high expectations for myself to ensure the best results.
Showing ambition and a strong work ethic.
He's taking me to that 5-star place, so I have pretty high expectations!
He's taking me to that 5-star place, so I have pretty high expectations!
Using 'pretty' to soften the phrase in a friendly chat.
We have high expectations for this project, but I know you can handle it.
We have high expectations for this project, but I know you can handle it.
Balancing pressure with encouragement.
I had high expectations for my dog's agility, but he just tripped over his own paws.
I had high expectations for my dog's agility, but he just tripped over his own paws.
Using the phrase for comedic contrast.
The hotel didn't quite live up to my high expectations.
The hotel didn't quite live up to my high expectations.
Expressing sadness or regret that a standard wasn't met.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct verb to complete the professional sentence.
Our manager ___ high expectations for the quality of our customer service.
We 'set' expectations like we set a bar or a goal.
Complete the sentence to show the result was better than expected.
The concert was amazing; it actually ___ my high expectations.
'Exceeded' means it went above and beyond what you expected.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality of 'High Expectations'
Talking to friends about a pizza place.
I've got high expectations for this crust!
General daily use.
I have high expectations for the new semester.
Business or academic settings.
The board has high expectations for this quarter.
Where to use 'High Expectations'
At Work
Setting goals for a new hire.
Product Reviews
Reviewing a new tech gadget.
Parenting
Encouraging a child to study.
Dining Out
Expecting a Michelin-star meal.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt is usually positive as it shows you believe in quality, but it can be negative if the expectations are impossible to reach.
Yes! You can say, I have high expectations for myself. It shows you are ambitious.
The opposite is low expectations. If you have low expectations, you don't think something will be very good.
You say they exceeded my expectations. It is a great compliment in a workplace.
Absolutely. Saying you maintain high expectations for your work is a very professional way to describe your standards.
It means the standards are too high and impossible to meet, like expecting a toddler to sit still for five hours.
It is better to use high or great. Big expectations is understood but sounds a bit less natural than high expectations.
This means telling people the truth early so they don't expect too much. For example, I need to manage your expectations: the car is old and slow.
Yes, it is used throughout the English-speaking world, including the UK, US, Canada, and Australia.
Yes, you can have high expectations for a new phone, a car, or even a weather forecast.
Expressions liées
Raise the bar
To increase the standards or expectations for something.
Live up to the hype
When something is as good as everyone said it would be.
Exceed expectations
To do much better than what was anticipated.
Fall short
To fail to meet a certain standard or expectation.
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