high standards
معايير عالية
Use `high standards` to describe a commitment to quality and excellence in any area of life.
15초 만에
- Refusing to settle for anything less than the best quality.
- Used for work, personal behavior, or product expectations.
- A positive way to describe being picky or disciplined.
뜻
When you have high standards, you refuse to accept anything that isn't excellent or of the best quality. It means you expect a lot from yourself, other people, or the products you buy.
주요 예문
3 / 6In a job interview
I always hold myself to high standards when completing project reports.
I always hold myself to high standards when completing project reports.
Talking about a picky friend
He has such high standards for coffee; he won't drink the office brew.
He has such high standards for coffee; he won't drink the office brew.
Reviewing a luxury hotel
The hotel maintains high standards of cleanliness and service.
The hotel maintains high standards of cleanliness and service.
문화적 배경
The phrase is deeply rooted in the Protestant work ethic and the industrial revolution's focus on quality control. In modern times, it has shifted from manufacturing to personal lifestyle and dating, often appearing in social media bios to signal self-worth. It reflects a culture that prizes meritocracy and constant self-improvement.
The 'Picky' Alternative
If you want to sound positive about being difficult to please, use `high standards`. If you call yourself `picky`, it sounds slightly negative.
Don't use 'Tall'
Even though we say 'high,' never say 'tall standards.' It sounds very strange to native speakers!
15초 만에
- Refusing to settle for anything less than the best quality.
- Used for work, personal behavior, or product expectations.
- A positive way to describe being picky or disciplined.
What It Means
Having high standards is like having a mental filter for quality. You don't just want 'okay' or 'fine.' You want the best. It applies to your work, your food, or even your relationships. If a restaurant has high standards, the floor is spotless and the food is perfect. If you have high standards for friends, you only hang out with kind, reliable people. It’s about not settling for less than you deserve.
How To Use It
You can use this phrase as a compliment or a self-description. Use it with verbs like have, set, or maintain. For example, "She sets high standards for her team." You can also use it to explain why you are picky. If your coffee isn't perfect, just smile and say you have high standards. It sounds much better than saying you are difficult to please!
When To Use It
Use it in job interviews to show you are a hard worker. Use it when discussing your favorite brands or hobbies. It’s perfect for describing a boss who expects perfection. You can also use it when talking about dating. Tell your friends you have high standards so they don't set you up with someone boring. It works well in professional and social settings.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if you want to sound humble about a mistake. If you fail a test, saying you have high standards sounds a bit confusing. Avoid using it if it makes you sound like a snob. If you refuse to eat at a friend's house because the food isn't 'gourmet,' maybe keep the phrase to yourself. It can sometimes sound like you are judging others for being 'average.'
Cultural Background
In Western cultures, especially in business, high standards are highly valued. It is linked to the idea of 'excellence' and 'professionalism.' Many famous brands, like Apple or Mercedes, build their entire identity on this phrase. It suggests a person is disciplined and successful. However, there is a growing conversation about 'perfectionism.' People now joke that having high standards is why they are stressed!
Common Variations
You might hear people say exacting standards for something very strict. Gold standard is used for the best example of something. If someone is very picky, they might have unusually high standards. On the flip side, if someone is lazy, they have low standards. If you change your mind to accept something worse, you are lowering your standards. Don't do that!
사용 참고사항
This phrase is incredibly versatile and safe to use in almost any situation. It sits in the 'neutral' to 'formal' range but is common in casual speech when discussing personal preferences.
The 'Picky' Alternative
If you want to sound positive about being difficult to please, use `high standards`. If you call yourself `picky`, it sounds slightly negative.
Don't use 'Tall'
Even though we say 'high,' never say 'tall standards.' It sounds very strange to native speakers!
The Dating App Code
On dating apps like Tinder, seeing 'high standards' in a bio is often a 'cultural secret' code for: 'I am looking for someone successful and well-dressed.'
예시
6I always hold myself to high standards when completing project reports.
I always hold myself to high standards when completing project reports.
Shows the candidate is professional and diligent.
He has such high standards for coffee; he won't drink the office brew.
He has such high standards for coffee; he won't drink the office brew.
A lighthearted way to call someone a coffee snob.
The hotel maintains high standards of cleanliness and service.
The hotel maintains high standards of cleanliness and service.
Standard phrase used in reviews and hospitality.
I'm not being mean, I just have high standards for who I spend time with!
I'm not being mean, I just have high standards for who I spend time with!
Defending one's choices in a relatable way.
If you want to win the gold, you need to set high standards for your training.
If you want to win the gold, you need to set high standards for your training.
Encouraging and motivational context.
I guess my high standards are too much for a five-dollar toaster!
I guess my high standards are too much for a five-dollar toaster!
Self-deprecating humor about expecting too much.
셀프 테스트
Choose the correct verb to complete the professional sentence.
Our company strives to ___ high standards in every product we manufacture.
`Maintain` is the most common professional collocation used with `high standards` to show consistency.
Complete the sentence about personal choices.
She decided to stop dating him because she has ___ standards.
In English, we use the adjective `high` (not tall or big) to describe quality levels.
🎉 점수: /2
시각 학습 자료
Formality of 'High Standards'
Talking to friends about dating or food.
I have high standards for pizza.
General conversation about habits.
She has high standards for her garden.
Business meetings or official reviews.
We must uphold high standards of safety.
Where to use 'High Standards'
Job Interview
I set high standards for my work.
Restaurant Review
The kitchen has high standards.
Dating/Social
I have high standards for my friends.
Education
The university has high standards.
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문Yes, usually! It implies that a person is disciplined and cares about quality, like saying He has high standards for his work.
Not directly for the object itself, but for the people who made it. You would say The company has high standards, rather than The phone has high standards.
The opposite is low standards. For example, If you eat that old pizza, you have low standards!
Absolutely. It is a very common 'power phrase' in resumes, such as Proven ability to maintain high standards in fast-paced environments.
Yes, it is very common to say I have high standards when it comes to dating.
The most common verbs are have, set, maintain, uphold, and meet.
They are close, but high standards is usually positive, while perfectionist can sometimes mean someone is too stressed or slow.
No, that is incorrect. We always use high or low to describe the level of standards.
Yes, it is used exactly the same way in American, British, and Australian English.
You use the phrase lowering their standards. For example, I'm so hungry I'm lowering my standards and eating this cold toast.
관련 표현
Gold standard
The best or most reliable example of something.
Exacting requirements
Very strict and precise rules that must be followed.
Quality control
The process of making sure products are good enough.
Settle for less
To accept something that is not as good as you wanted.
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