set a high/low bar

set a high/low bar

To establish an expected, required, or desired (but ultimately constrictive) standard of quality. A: "At this point, I'm willing to go out with just about any guy, so long as he isn't living in his parents' basement." B: "Don't you think you're setting a bit of a low bar?" While you shouldn't take just any job you can get after college, be sure not to set too high a bar for an entry level job, or you may have trouble landing one at all.
See also: bar, high, low, set
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • under control
  • be under par
  • arsis
  • be below par
  • be below/under par
  • deliver the goods
  • below par
  • couldn't ask for more
  • cut it