high bar: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Neutral to Formal
Quick answer
What does “high bar” mean?
A horizontal bar set at a high elevation, used as an apparatus in gymnastics for male athletes.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A horizontal bar set at a high elevation, used as an apparatus in gymnastics for male athletes.
A standard of performance or achievement that is exceptionally demanding; a metaphorical benchmark that is very difficult to meet or surpass.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is used identically in both gymnastics and metaphorical contexts.
Connotations
Connotations of elite performance, rigorous standards, and difficulty are identical in both varieties.
Frequency
Frequency is similar, though perhaps slightly higher in American English due to media coverage of gymnastics.
Grammar
How to Use “high bar” in a Sentence
set/raise [POSSESSIVE] high bar for NOUNmeet/clear/fail to meet the high bar (of NOUN)the high bar set by AGENTVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “high bar” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A – not standard as a verb.
American English
- N/A – not standard as a verb.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A – not standard as a standalone adjective. Used attributively in noun phrases: 'a high-bar routine', 'high-bar standards'.
American English
- N/A – not standard as a standalone adjective. Used attributively in noun phrases: 'a high-bar routine', 'high-bar standards'.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to stringent quality, ethical, or performance standards that a company aims to achieve. 'The new CEO set a high bar for ethical conduct across all departments.'
Academic
Describes rigorous research standards or exceptional achievement criteria. 'The peer-review process for this journal sets a very high bar for methodological rigour.'
Everyday
Used to describe demanding personal expectations or standards in any activity. 'As a home baker, she sets a high bar with her elaborate birthday cakes.'
Technical
Specifically refers to the gymnastics apparatus, its dimensions, and routines performed on it. 'His release move on the high bar scored a perfect 10.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “high bar”
- Using 'high bar' as an adjective (e.g., 'high bar expectations' is incorrect; use 'high expectations' or 'a high bar for expectations').
- Confusing 'high bar' with 'bar' meaning a pub or a legal profession.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is standardly written as two words: 'high bar'. It is an open compound noun.
No, not in its literal sporting sense. The apparatus used in women's artistic gymnastics is the 'uneven bars'. 'High bar' specifically refers to the men's apparatus.
They are largely synonymous in metaphorical use, but 'high bar' is more vivid and implies a specific, challenging obstacle to be cleared. 'High standard' is more general and descriptive.
Yes, the comparative form is common when discussing increasing standards. For example: 'Each generation of technology sets a higher bar for processing speed.'
A horizontal bar set at a high elevation, used as an apparatus in gymnastics for male athletes.
High bar is usually neutral to formal in register.
High bar: in British English it is pronounced /ˌhaɪ ˈbɑː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌhaɪ ˈbɑːr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[To] set/raise the bar high”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine an Olympic gymnast jumping to grab a bar set HIGH above him. Now, imagine that bar represents any difficult goal. To succeed, you must jump high enough to reach and master it.
Conceptual Metaphor
STANDARDS ARE HEIGHTS / ACHIEVEMENT IS CLEARING AN OBSTACLE. A demanding standard is conceptualised as a high physical object one must reach or jump over.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'high bar' used LITERALLY?