cut the mustard
Meaning
To be good enough; to meet the required standard or expectations.
Origin
Recorded from early 20th‑century American English, meaning “meet requirements.” The “mustard” likely refers to a standard/benchmark or something that “adds zest,” so to “cut” it is to be sufficiently sharp/effective.
Notes
Evaluative, often blunt. Common in work/performance contexts, frequently in the negative (“doesn’t cut the mustard”). Informal; can sound judgmental or dismissive.
Examples
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If you want to stay in this job, you have to cut the mustard.
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She really cut the mustard and led the team under pressure.
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The new software looks nice, but it doesn’t cut the mustard in real use.
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If he can’t cut the mustard in training, he won’t make the starting lineup.
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The interview went well, but we still need to see whether he can cut the mustard in a deadline-driven role.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used with a subject + verb: “X cuts the mustard” / “X doesn’t cut the mustard.” Tense can vary (cut/cuts/cut), but the phrase is otherwise fairly fixed; “mustard” typically takes “the.”
Synonyms
- pass muster
- make the grade
- measure up
- be up to scratch
- meet the standard
Antonyms
- meet the standard
- pass muster
- make the grade