raise the bar

(verb) to set a higher standard for other people to follow

Example Sentences:

The Olympic athlete plans to raise the bar by setting a new World Record for her sport.

When the new professor entered the university, he raised the bar for the others because of his superior teaching skills.

My favourite TV show is Lost because it is always raising the bar for other shows.

From the Blogs:

Beyond Chest Beating: Awards Raise the Bar on Business Results

Media:

Similar idioms:

1. get something off your chest
2. raise eyebrows
3. riot