measure up
[verb]
Synonyms: equal, match, meet, rival, tie, touch

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

measure up phrasal verb (see also measure)

1. to be good enough to do a particular job or to reach a particular standard:
We’ll give you a week’s trial in the job to see how you measure up.
measure up to
How will the Secretary General measure up to his new responsibilities?

2. to measure something before you do something, for example before you put in new furniture, cupboards etc:
I’d better measure up before I start laying the carpet.
measure something ↔ up
Measure up any items that you want to keep in the kitchen.

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

measure up
measure up (to (someone/something))
to reach a standard that is as good as someone or something else.
The math skills of the majority of children in this school measure up to the national standards.

Usage notes: often used in a negative way:
They didn't measure up so I couldn't hire them.

Too often computer software fails to measure up to expectations.

The comparison is usually w/sth, only rarely with sb--SL, 12/02

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

measure up
v. To be equal; be of fully high quality; come up.
John didn't measure up to the best catchers but he was a good one.
Lois' school work didn't measure up to her ability. Compare up: TO PAR.
Antonym: FALL SHORT.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲