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Region: US | Usage example: She didn't cut the mustard during the trial period.

Cut the mustard

Meaning

Meet expectations or perform well.

Usage

Used for evaluating competence.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Possibly from the difficulty of cutting fibrous mustard stalks.

Early 20th-century American slang.

Related Idioms

Can't cut the mustard

Fail to meet expectations.

Knock it out of the park

Perform extremely well.

Feel like a million dollars

Feel extremely well.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.