1. [N. Amer] Go successfully through a test or a selection process
   "She studied hard and finally made the grade for medical school";
   - pass, make it
    
2. [informal] Be at the required standard; be good enough; pass inspection
   "Colorado voting machines don't make the grade";
   - cut it [informal], pass muster [informal], cut the mustard [informal]

Derived forms: makes the grade, making the grade, made the grade

Type of: bring home the bacon [informal], come through, come up trumps [Brit, informal], deliver the goods, succeed, turn up trumps [Brit, informal], win