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
Organizers say it is a waste-free event, since they purchase oranges that don’t make the grade and would otherwise be tossed out.
From Seattle Times • Feb. 14, 2024
How difficult is it to make the grade - and which now famous artists failed to persuade the Academy of their genius?
From BBC • Jun. 12, 2023
There's twelve miles of logging-road to build to get my logs to the mill, and I haven't enough ready money to make the grade.
From The Valley of the Giants by Kyne, Peter B. (Peter Bernard)