live up to expectations

Meaning

This phrase means to be as good, successful, or impressive as people anticipated. It is widely used when reviewing or discussing entertainment, products, or experiences to state whether they met the standards set by previous work or marketing. The tone is neutral and can be used in both positive and negative contexts (often used with 'didn't').

Examples

• The sequel was fantastic and completely lived up to expectations.

  The sequel was fantastic and completely lived up to expectations.

• With so much media buzz, it's hard for any movie to live up to expectations.

  With so much media buzz, it's hard for any movie to live up to expectations.

• Unfortunately, the season finale didn't quite live up to expectations.

  Unfortunately, the season finale didn't quite live up to expectations.

• I was worried the concert would be a letdown, but it lived up to expectations.

  I was worried the concert would be a letdown, but it lived up to expectations.

• Does the new video game live up to expectations, or is it just overhyped?

  Does the new video game live up to expectations, or is it just overhyped?

Common Mistakes

• ✗ The show didn't live up my expectations.

  ✓ The show didn't live up to my expectations.

  The preposition 'to' is mandatory after 'live up' to connect the verb phrase to the object.

• ✗ I hope the movie lives up expectations.

  ✓ I hope the movie lives up to expectations.

  You must include 'to' to connect the verb phrase to the noun 'expectations'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• The new restaurant was good, but it didn't quite ___.

  💡 Be as good as people hoped.

  Show answer

  live up to expectations

• It's hard for a highly anticipated sequel to ___.

  💡 Meet the high standards set by the original.

  Show answer

  live up to expectations