“Measure Up” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on October 11, 2024 by Liam Daniel

The idiomatic phrase “measure up” is one you will often hear in everyday conversation and writing. This reference explains the meaning of the phrase and its origin.

You will also learn how to use “measure up” properly in conversations and statements and alternative ways to express the same idea. Whether you are new to this phrase or just looking for more ways to use it, this reference will be helpful.

Measure Up Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • “Measure up” means to meet or match a certain standard, expectation, or requirement. It is used when evaluating whether someone or something is good enough or adequate for a specific task or comparison.
Measure Up Meaning
Measure Up Meaning – Created by 7ESL

Measure Up Meaning

The phrase “measure up” means to meet or reach a certain standard, expectation, or requirement. It is often used when comparing someone’s or something’s abilities, qualities, or performance to what is considered acceptable or ideal.

Origin of this Idiom

Very little is known about the origin of the idiomatic phrase “measure up.” It is likely to have been derived from the word measure and its definition meaning an estimation of what is expected from someone. The first use of the idiom “measure up” was in 1854.

Usage of “Measure Up”

  • Performance or Ability:
    • “She worked hard, but her skills didn’t quite measure up to the job’s demands.”
      (Her skills were not enough to meet the job’s expectations.)
  • Comparison:
    • “He always feels like he has to measure up to his older brother’s achievements.”
      (He feels the need to match or equal his brother’s success.)
  • Meeting Standards:
    • “The new product didn’t measure up to our expectations.”
      (The product didn’t meet the standard they were hoping for.)
  • Personal Evaluation:
    • “I hope my presentation will measure up to the audience’s expectations.”
      (I hope my presentation will meet or surpass what the audience expects.)

Related Terms to “Measure Up”

  • Live up to – To fulfill or meet expectations or standards.
  • Match up to – To be as good as something or someone; to meet a standard.
  • Meet the mark – To reach or fulfill a required standard or level.
  • Come up to standard – To be good enough to meet a certain level or requirement.
  • Be up to par – To meet the expected or required standard.
  • Satisfy – To fulfill a condition or expectation.
  • Qualify – To meet the necessary standards or conditions.
  • Hold up – To perform well under scrutiny or comparison.
  • Measure against – To compare someone or something with a particular standard or expectation.
  • Stack up – To compare favorably or unfavorably to someone or something.

Other Ways to Say “Measure Up”

Like the case with most idiomatic phrases, the phrase “measure up” can be said in many different ways and still convey the same meaning. Some of the ways you can say this phrase differently include:

  • Make the grade
  • Fill the bill
  • Make the cut

“Measure Up” Examples

Examples in Statements

A statement made by a celebrity during an interview for an entertainment magazine.

  • “I was born into the limelight. This is where I have always wanted to be. It has not always been easy though and I feel I will never measure up to the talent of my mother and father.”

A statement made in the high school newspaper by a substitute player on the team.

  • “I hope Nathan makes it back soon. He is one of the team’s best assets and I could never measure up to his skills on the field.”

Examples in Conversations

A conversation between a mother and her son.

  • Mother: I just can’t help feeling like I have failed you.
  • Son: Mom, you have never failed me and I know you never will.
  • Mother: It just seems no matter how hard I try I will never measure up to the mom that I had growing up.
  • Son: You are the perfect mother. You are doing just fine. Even grandma says so. Quit beating yourself up.

A conversation between a boss and a new employee.

  • Boss: Everyone! This is Manny. Manny is new here and is here to replace Andrew while he taking some time off with his new baby.
  • Employee 1: Welcome Manny. Happy to have you on our team, even if only temporary. You are a brave soul because it is going to take a lot of hard work to measure up to Andrew.

More useful examples:

  • The party did not measure up to their expectations.
  • She could never measure up to her mother’s expectations.
  • She’s always comparing me to other people, and somehow I never measure up.
  • We’ll give you a week’s trial in the job to see how you measure up.
  • Take a look at yourself in a mirror and judge for yourself if you measure up.
  • His performance doesn’t measure up.
  • Later versions are of higher quality but purists are mot convinced that they measure up to the Chicago or Saint Vincent rackets.
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