cut it

1. Also, cut that . Stop, as in I won't stand for that—cut it! or If you don't cut that, I'll tell . [ Slang ; first half of 1800s] Also see cut it out .

2. Manage, tolerate, as in I don't know how he can cut it . [ Slang ; c. 1900]

3. Be effective, prove satisfactory, as in She's getting old and can no longer cut it . [Late 1900s] For a synonym see cut the mustard . Also see the subsequent entries beginning with cut it .

Example Sentences

He says: "It is hard to explain to people why their council tax is going up while their waste service is being cut. It is hard to explain to the public why asylum seekers are being placed in hotels for years on end at the taxpayers' expense....the best way to restore trust is through the contributory principle. If you pay in, you should be able to see what you get out."

From BBC

No matter which way you cut it.

From Slate

Pick up some puff pastry or Pillsbury Crescent dough from the store, cut it into small triangles, wrap each piece around a pre-cooked mini hot dog, and bake until golden brown.

From Salon

For people who really need a hot meal, the office microwave just doesn’t cut it — no one wants their pho coming out smelling like popcorn and old pasta sauce.

From Salon

He signed a 10-year deal this summer, and he will want to prove he can cut it on the biggest club stage.

From BBC

Related Words

• bear 
• endure 
• exist 
• get through 
• handle 
• keep 
• last 
• live 
• recover 
• remain 
• ride out 
• subsist 
• suffer 
• sustain 
• weather 
• withstand