lower one's sights
lower (one's) sights
To lower one's expectations and accept less than one was hoping for or striving toward. Unfortunately, we simply can't afford to live in that ritzy neighborhood, so we have to lower our sights and look elsewhere.
lower one's sights
Reduce one's goals or aspirations, as in Once he got the job I'd applied for, I had to lower my sights. This expression alludes to taking aim through the sights of a firearm. Also see raise one's sights; set one's sights on. [Second half of 1900s]