lower one's sights

lower (one's) sights

To lower one's expectations and accept less than one was hoping for or striving toward. Unfortunately, we simply can't afford to live in that ritzy neighborhood, so we have to lower our sights and look elsewhere.
See also: lower, sight
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

lower one's sights

Reduce one's goals or aspirations, as in Once he got the job I'd applied for, I had to lower my sights. This expression alludes to taking aim through the sights of a firearm. Also see raise one's sights; set one's sights on. [Second half of 1900s]
See also: lower, sight
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
See also:
  • lower (one's) sights
  • lower sights
  • at (one's) doorstep
  • at doorstep
  • the big one
  • big one
  • (from) top to toe
  • at expense
  • at somebody's expense
  • at someone's expense
References in periodicals archive
Price pressure can often lower one's sights on product quality and life cycle costs.
Eurovent to host seminars for MEP consultants in the UAE
Nor does modern stoicism require that one lower one's sights in order not to be disappointed.
A NEW STOICISM