up to the mark

Meanings

prepositional phrase

Possessing adequate knowledge or skill.
He is up to the mark in literature and the arts, in history, and in public affairs.
2008, D. G. Mulcahy, The Educated Person: Toward a New Paradigm for Liberal Education, page 37
Performing as expected or desired; on one's toes.
1 more example
'Do you mind if I just pop in for a wee moment, Roy?' she asked. 'I expect that it's Miss Barrowford gardening, and it will save me writing. G.F.S. business, you know.' 'All right,' her husband replied. 'Only don't forget me and stay to supper.' 'The idea! As if I ever—I'll catch you up—or won't you come in too? You know her.' 'No,' he decided. 'If I do we shall be talking there for an hour. I won't go right on either. I'll just hang about in the middle distance to keep you up to the mark.'
1927, Ernest Bramah [pseudonym; Ernest Brammah Smith], Max Carrados Mysteries

Cite this entry

APA

up to the mark. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 5, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/up%20to%20the%20mark

MLA

“up to the mark.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/up%20to%20the%20mark. Accessed November 5, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “up to the mark,” accessed November 5, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/up%20to%20the%20mark.