The term 'Makes the Grade' can be broken down into four separate crossword solutions: PASSES (6 letters), CUTSIT (6 letters), HACKSIT (7 letters), and MEASURESUP (10 letters). PASSES implies that someone is able to meet a certain standard or requirement. CUTSIT suggests that someone is able to reduce something to a desired size or shape. HACKSIT implies that someone is able to cut something with rough or irregular strokes. Finally, MEASURESUP implies that someone is able to meet a certain level of quality or performance. All together, these solutions suggest that someone is able to meet a certain standard or requirement, reduce something to a desired size or shape, cut something with rough or irregular strokes, and meet a certain level of quality or performance. In other words, they are able to 'Make the Grade'.