a
sequence of events wherein each event sets a new, higher standard that will act as a
precedent for all
subsequent events.
-As far as I know, this phrase has never been coined or defined before.
Bob tells funny stories and does spontaneous imitations at work. each one is a little
funnier than the one before. his
co-worker's expectations track with his performance so that now he has to maintain the
gradient of improvement every time he opens his mouth or, - and this is the key- they will respond as if it was less funny than it really is. He has trapped himself in a system of ascending precedents.