make the grade
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
The class’s first video to make the grade showed scenes from campus edited together.
From New York Times • Apr. 4, 2023
He added that the Army will not reduce standards to get more recruits into the service, but will do more to help soldiers make the grade.
From Seattle Times • Aug. 28, 2022
Several of the ponies are barely able to make the grade.
From The History of the American Expedition Fighting the Bolsheviki Campaigning in North Russia 1918-1919 by Jahns, Lewis E.