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.

To establish an expected, required, or desired standard of quality. (Often said of a standard that is constrictive in being either too low or too high). 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 the bar a little low?" While you shouldn't take just any job you can get after college, be sure not to set the bar too high for an entry level job, or you may have trouble landing one at all. I hear that the new restaurant around the corner really sets the bar for exquisite seafood.

Extremely high; so high that it can hardly be seen. "Gilderoy" was the nickname of notorious 17th-century highwayman Patrick MacGregor, who was hanged at a time when the height of the gallows corresponded to the severity of a criminal's misdeeds. Thus, MacGregor was hanged higher than his accomplices—like a kite in the sky. Why did you put the dishes on a shelf higher than Gilderoy's kite? You know I can't reach anything up there! A: "Can you see the plane?" B: "It's higher than Gilderoy's kite! All I see is a tiny speck!"

To begin to act or do something in a more energetic, vigorous, or effective manner than previously. Likened to a vehicle, such as a car or bike, using a higher gear to attain greater speed or power. They're going to have to move things into a higher gear if they want to beat the returning champions. I notice that you've really moved into a higher gear with your work lately. Great job!

To transition from one musical key to another. The skilled composer can modulate to a higher or lower key without the listener even noticing.

To have a higher rank or position than one in a business, government, or military hierarchy. Well, I technically rank higher than Sarah, but we operate more like equals in the office. He ranks higher than you, so you'd better do what he says.

People who are especially important, influential, and authoritative, often in comparison to oneself. I don't have the authority to make a decision like that—you'll have to talk to one of the higher-ups. Did you hear that the higher-ups want us to wear uniforms now?