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
If even Lincoln can’t make the grade, who can?
From Seattle Times • Nov. 4, 2022
Some of us tried to get aft as soon as we were clear of the Seagull, but couldn’t make the grade over the wreck of the bridge.
From Sea-Hounds by Freeman, Lewis R.