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lower sights

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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.

See also: lower, sight

lower your sights

also set your sights lower

to accept something that is not as good as what you originally wanted With so few jobs around she's had to lower her sights.

Usage notes: the opposite meaning is expressed by raise your sights (to try to get something better than you had originally expected)

See also: lower, sight

lower your sights

to accept something less good than the thing you were hoping for With so few jobs around she's had to lower her sights.

See drop guard

See also: lower, sight