🎓 Making the Grade: Climbing the Slopes of Success 🏔️
Definition
To reach a given standard or pass a test. The term seemingly alludes to climbing a steep hill or gradient and was transferred to mean any kind of success in the early 20th century. An early appearance in print is in S. Ford’s Inez and Trilby (1921): “Three days! I doubt if she can make the grade.”
Related Terms and Similar Expressions
- “Hit the mark”
- “Pass muster”
- “Cut the mustard”
- “Meet the standard”
- “Hit the benchmark”
- “Get by” (informal)
Synonyms
- Achieve
- Succeed
- Accomplish
- Meet criteria
Antonyms
- Fail
- Fall short
- Miss the mark
- Underachieve
Quotes
“Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm.” —Winston Churchill
“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” —Albert Schweitzer
“Don’t let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.” —John Wooden
Proverbs
- “Slow and steady wins the race.”
- “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”
- “The early bird catches the worm.”
Suggested Literature, Books, Songs, and Movies
- Books: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
- Songs: “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor, “We Will Rock You” by Queen
- Movies: The Pursuit of Happyness, Rocky, Good Will Hunting
Quizzes
Farewell Thought
Remember, it’s not about how steep the climb is, but how determined you are to reach the top. Keep aiming high, keep making the grade, and let each success, no matter how small, propel you toward your next goal.
🖋️ Sincerely, D. Reachhigh
