raise (one's) sights
To increase one's expectations, hopes, or ambitions for or about something. I don't know why you're settling for some data management job. You have the qualifications to be a manager, so you should raise your sights a bit. We raised our sights while we were looking for houses after my wife's great-aunt left us a big inheritance.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
lower one's sights
Fig. to set one's goals lower. (Alludes to pointing the barrel of a rifle lower to lower the aim of the rifle.) Even though you get frustrated, don't lower your sights. I shouldn't lower my sights. If I work hard, I can do what I want.
raise one's sights
Fig. to set higher goals for oneself. (Alludes to someone lifting the sights of a gun in order to fire farther.) When you're young, you tend to raise your sights too high. On the other hand, some people need to raise their sights.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
raise (or lower) your sights
become more (or less) ambitious; increase (or lower) your expectations.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
raise/lower your ˈsights
increase/reduce your hopes and ambitions: You should raise your sights and apply for the director’s job. ♢ Some women feel that staying at home and having a family means lowering their sights.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017