Welcome! Today, we’re going to learn about some fun phrases called idioms that use the word “bar.” Idioms are expressions that don’t mean exactly what the words say, but they’re used a lot by people when they talk!
Bar Idioms
Here are 20 bar idioms in English with meanings and example sentences for each.
Raise the bar
Meaning: Set higher standards
Example: They really raised the bar with that new product.
Lower the bar
Meaning: Set lower standards
Example: We should not lower the bar just to increase numbers.
Behind bars
Meaning: In prison
Example: He ended up behind bars after the theft.
Set the bar high
Meaning: Establish a high standard
Example: She set the bar high for future projects.
Set the bar low
Meaning: Establish a low standard
Example: He set the bar low, so it was easy to impress.
At the bar
Meaning: Present in a bar
Example: They met at the bar after work.
Bar none
Meaning: Without exception
Example: He is the best, bar none.
Bar hop
Meaning: Go to multiple bars
Example: They planned to bar hop all night.
Candy bar
Meaning: A type of chocolate snack
Example: He ate a candy bar during the break.
Full bar
Meaning: A bar with a wide selection of drinks
Example: The party had a full bar for guests.
Open bar
Meaning: Free drinks available
Example: The wedding had an open bar.
Sand bar
Meaning: A ridge of sand built up by currents
Example: Their boat got stuck on a sand bar.
Salad bar
Meaning: A buffet for salads
Example: We enjoyed the fresh salad bar.
Bar exam
Meaning: Test for lawyers
Example: He passed the bar exam on his first try.
Bar of soap
Meaning: A solid piece of soap
Example: She dropped the bar of soap in the shower.
Bar fight
Meaning: A fight in a bar
Example: He got into a bar fight last night.
Juice bar
Meaning: A place that sells fresh juices
Example: They met at the local juice bar.
Coffee bar
Meaning: A café serving coffee
Example: Let’s meet at the coffee bar tomorrow.
Grab the bar
Meaning: Hold onto a rail for support
Example: He had to grab the bar on the bumpy ride.
Bar tab
Meaning: A bill for drinks at a bar
Example: He closed his bar tab before leaving.
