He had begun life as a lawyer, with no advantage of birth, and made his way by sheer merit.

Cromwell did not come from a rich or noble family: he rose in life by his work and merit.

If it went by merit you would stay out and the dog would go in.

He had likely acquired his present post by merit rather than social rank, then, not necessarily a plus from Miles's point of view.

State-run, the school is free of charge and admission by merit.

They rise not by merit but by the force of their will.

"In that case, we have gained our present advantage by merit."

Promotion by merit alone occurred, but was less common.

Actually, if you do get into a college by merit alone, that may mean there's something wrong with the college.

Today critics claim she won the prizes, not by merit, but through the influence of friends.