raise the bar
To raise the standards of quality that are expected of or required for something. Since higher education became available to a greater number of people, businesses have increasingly been raising the bar for entry-level employees.
raise the specter of (something)
To make people aware of or worry about something unpleasant, dreadful, or terrifying. Primarily heard in US. The sudden dip in stock prices has raised the specter of another global recession with some investors. Throughout the Cold War, politicians raised the specter of Communism and the Iron Curtain over anything they thought to be "un-American."
raise a red flag
To offer a sign or signal indicating potential, incipient, or imminent danger or trouble. Didn't the fact that your accountant used to be a drug dealer raise a red flag or two when you started doing business with him? Well, it definitely raised a red flag when he got so angry at me over such a minor thing, but I never thought he could be so unreasonable to live with!
rise (up) in the world
To elevate or improve one's social, political, and/or financial position in life; to become more successful than one was before. You're only going to truly rise up in the world if you make a point of rubbing elbows with those of a higher social standing. It's unsurprising how quickly Sarah has risen in the world when you consider that her tenacity and determination are only matched by her intelligence and talent. The Robinsons really rose up in the world after they won the lottery.
raise the alarm
1. Literally, to activate an alarm. I think I see smoke coming from the warehouse. Someone run upstairs and raise the alarm!
2. To alert other people about something dangerous, risky, or troublesome. A number of top economic advisors tried to raise the alarm before the economic crash, but no policy makers seemed to heed their warnings.
raise an eyebrow
To show confusion, surprise, concern, or disapproval, either literally (often by actually raising an eyebrow) or figuratively. When I told my mom how much money we would need, she raised an eyebrow and asked me to add it up again. You need to stop coming in late every day—the boss is starting to raise an eyebrow. My grandmother definitely raised an eyebrow when I stopped going to church.
raise (one's) consciousness
To increase one's awareness or understanding of one's own needs or the needs of others. Traveling abroad really raised my consciousness about the plight of the poor around the world.
raise (one's) hand
Literally, to hold one's hand in the air. This phrase is typically used in academic settings, as students raise their hands to indicate that they want to answer or ask a question. Don't yell out the answers, raise your hands! I do raise my hand in class, mom, but the teacher never calls on me!
raise the white flag
To indicate one's surrender, defeat, or submission. All right, I raise the white flag—you win the game. That attack totally decimated us, and we were forced to raise the white flag.
raised by wolves
A set phrase said of one who seems particularly uncouth and/or socially inept. Why are you eating spaghetti with your hands? Were you raised by wolves? He's so rude, it's like he was raised by wolves!
born and raised
and born and bredborn and nurtured through childhood, usually in a specific place. She was born and raised in a small town in western Montana. Freddy was born and bred on a farm and had no love for city life.
cause (some) eyebrows to raise and cause some raised eyebrows
Fig. to shock people; to surprise and dismay people. (The same as raise some eyebrows.) John caused eyebrows to raise when he married a woman half his age. If you want to cause some eyebrows to raise, just start singing as you walk down the street.
raise the bar
Fig. to make a task a little more difficult. (As with raising the bar in high jumping or pole vaulting.) Just as I was getting accustomed to my job, the manager raised the bar and I had to perform even better.
raised in a barn
brought up to behave like a barnyard animal; having crude behavior. Close the door behind you! Were you raised in a barn? Don't wipe your nose on your sleeve. Were you raised in a barn?