C1 Expression Neutral

de lat hoog leggen

to set the bar high

Meaning

To set high standards for oneself or others.

🌍

Cultural Background

Dutch business culture values directness and high standards. Similar to the Netherlands, but often with a slightly more formal tone. The idiom is understood globally in corporate settings. The idiom is most literal in track and field contexts.

💡

Use 'voor'

Always use 'voor' to specify who or what the standards are for.

⚠️

Avoid 'te' unless necessary

Adding 'te' changes the meaning to 'unrealistic'.

Meaning

To set high standards for oneself or others.

💡

Use 'voor'

Always use 'voor' to specify who or what the standards are for.

⚠️

Avoid 'te' unless necessary

Adding 'te' changes the meaning to 'unrealistic'.

Test Yourself

Fill in the correct word.

Zij ____ de lat hoog voor haar team.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: legt

The verb is 'leggen', third person singular is 'legt'.

Which sentence is correct?

Choose the correct usage.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ik leg de lat hoog.

The idiom does not use extra prepositions.

Complete the dialogue.

A: 'We want to win.' B: 'Then we must ____.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: de lat hoog leggen

To win, you need high standards.

🎉 Score: /3

Visual Learning Aids

Practice Bank

3 exercises
Fill in the correct word. Fill Blank A2

Zij ____ de lat hoog voor haar team.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: legt

The verb is 'leggen', third person singular is 'legt'.

Which sentence is correct? Choose B1

Choose the correct usage.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ik leg de lat hoog.

The idiom does not use extra prepositions.

Complete the dialogue. dialogue_completion B2

A: 'We want to win.' B: 'Then we must ____.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: de lat hoog leggen

To win, you need high standards.

🎉 Score: /3

Frequently Asked Questions

2 questions

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable in professional correspondence.

No, it is primarily used as a metaphor for standards.

Related Phrases

🔗

De lat te hoog leggen

contrast

Setting unrealistic standards

🔗

De lat lager leggen

contrast

Lowering standards

🔗

De lat op een bepaald niveau leggen

specialized form

Setting a specific standard

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!