To meet a required standard or level of quality; or literally to take the measurements of something.
Be good enough for what is needed, OR use a tape measure to check the size of something.
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To reach or meet a required standard; to be good enough for a situation or role.
"She was nervous that her cooking wouldn't measure up to her mother-in-law's expectations."
Does the iPhone 15 measure up to the hype?
— Typical technology review headline format, used widely by outlets including The Verge and TechRadar
To take the measurements of a space or object using a measuring tape or tool.
"The carpenter measured up the kitchen before ordering the new cabinets."
To raise a measuring tool 'up' against something to check its dimensions — transparent in the literal sense.
Be good enough for what is needed, OR use a tape measure to check the size of something.
The figurative sense (meeting standards) is more common than the literal (taking measurements). Often used in negative constructions: 'he didn't measure up.' The literal sense is practical and used in construction and home improvement. When used figuratively, it is often followed by 'to' + a noun.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Listen to native speakers using "measure up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.