cut the mustard

1. Perform satisfactorily, as in We need a better catcher; this one just doesn't cut the mustard. The origin of this expression is disputed. Some believe it alludes to mustard in the sense of the best or main attraction (owing to its spicing up food), whereas others believe it is a corruption of pass muster. Still others hold that it concerns the preparation of mustard, which involves adding vinegar to mustard seed to “cut” (reduce) its bitterness. The expression is often in negative form, as in the example. [Slang; c. 1900]

Example Sentences

Clement's words were considered but instructive of a man who was quickly needing proof from some signings they could cut the mustard at Rangers.

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The unpopular move failed to cut the mustard with fans — even in the highest branches of state government.

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If you are a hot-dog driver, and if you can cut the mustard, you could be behind the wheel of the Wienermobile.

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Step forward Ian Paisley to say, colourfully as usual: "My gut instinct is this isn't going to cut the mustard."

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Since then we've had the Windsor Framework, which Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hoped would be the final act, only for one of the ensemble cast - Ian Paisley MP - to quickly say it didn't "cut the mustard".

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