lower one's sights

lower (one's) sights

To lower one's expectations and accept less than one was hoping for or striving toward. Unfortunately, we simply can't afford to live in that ritzy neighborhood, so we have to lower our sights and look elsewhere.See also: lower, sight

lower one's sights

Reduce one's goals or aspirations, as in Once he got the job I'd applied for, I had to lower my sights. This expression alludes to taking aim through the sights of a firearm. Also see raise one's sights; set one's sights on. [Second half of 1900s] See also: lower, sight