Measure up means be good enough or reach a standard: the replacement parts did not measure up to our standards. People say it about things, work and people. You don't have to name the standard: we tested both models to see how they measured up, meaning how well they performed.
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measure up; measure up to a standard / expectation / competitor
- The replacement parts did not measure up to our standards.
- We tested both models to see how they measured up.
- The new hall measures up to the needs of a large orchestra.
What changed
First versionThe equipment did not measure up with our expectations.
RevisionThe equipment did not measure up to our expectations.
Compare with and match with make with feel natural: measure up with our expectations. But the level you reach is introduced by to: measure up to our expectations.
Live up to means meet expectations that were set in advance: the film didn't live up to the hype. Measure up to means reach a standard or match a competitor: the hotel didn't measure up to the photos. Measure something up means take its measurements: measure the room up for a carpet.
Your turn
Complete the comparison with a standard: The work must measure up ___ the agreed quality level.
Show the answer
to — The standard you compare against is introduced by to: measure up to the agreed quality level. With comes from compare with, but it doesn't fit here.
Describe a purchase or piece of work that didn't measure up to your expectations.
The portable speaker did not measure up to the sound quality we needed for the event.
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