What does “Cut the mustard” mean?
"Cut the mustard" means to meet expectations or perform satisfactorily.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I'm not sure if this new employee will cut the mustard.
Example
The team needs to step up their game and cut the mustard.
Example
He didn't cut the mustard in the audition and didn't get the role
Is “Cut the mustard” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Cut the mustard” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Cut the mustard” effectively in context?
You can use "Cut the Mustard" to describe someone's ability to meet expectations or perform satisfactorily. It implies that the person is either successful or unsuccessful in meeting a certain standard. For example, if you're unsure if a new employee will be able to perform well, you might say, 'I'm not sure if this new employee will cut the mustard.'
- 1Work
The team needs to step up their game and cut the mustard.
- 2Auditions
He didn't cut the mustard in the audition and didn't get the role.
- 3Evaluation
Her performance didn't cut the mustard, so she didn't receive a promotion.
Similar phrases to “Cut the mustard”:
Measure up
To meet expectations or standards
Example
She needs to improve her skills to measure up to the job requirements.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Cut the mustard” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Cut the Mustard" is unknown.
Is “Cut the mustard” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Cut the Mustard" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to express whether someone or something meets expectations or performs satisfactorily.
What tone does “Cut the mustard” have?
"Cut the Mustard" conveys a tone of evaluation or judgment. It's often used to assess someone's abilities or performance.
Can “Cut the mustard” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Cut the Mustard" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of meeting expectations or performing satisfactorily. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as meetings, interviews, or professional evaluations.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He needs to step up his game and cut the mustard.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'I'm not sure if he can "cut the mustard".' to imply doubt about someone's abilities.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- succeed
- meet expectations
- perform satisfactorily
- live up to standards
- do well
Antonyms
- fall short
- fail to meet expectations
- underperform
- miss the mark
