measure up
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle up
Meanings
Be good enough for a particular standard
Why “up”? A standard sits above you. Measuring up means reaching that expected level.
“His work doesn't measure up.”
“The design did not measure up to the brief.”
Don't confuse with
Measure up means be good enough for a particular standard. Measure out means take a precise amount of something using a measuring tool.
Test yourself
“His work doesn't measure up.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
measure out
A contrast learners often mix up
Take a precise amount of something using a measuring tool
keep up
Same up pattern: good enough
Continue at the same level or rate; Move at the same speed as someone else; Stay informed about something current; Prevent someone from going to bed or sleeping; Prevent something from falling down; Maintain pretences, an appearance or a habit; Match the social or financial standard of others
live up
Same up pattern: good enough
Match a particular standard or expectation (live up to)
look up
Same up pattern: good enough
Direct your eyes upward; Search for information in a book or online; Start to become better; Admire and respect someone (look up to)
man up
Same up pattern: good enough
Show courage and face a difficulty
shape up
Same up pattern: good enough
Improve performance or behaviour
Practice “measure up” in Sink In
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