kʌt ðə ˈmʌstərd
Food & Cooking
informal
intermediate
- Literally:
- To slice mustard
What does "cut the mustard" mean?
- To meet expectations or required standards
- To perform well enough to be acceptable
Examples
- His performance just didn't cut the mustard.
- If you can't cut the mustard, we'll find someone who can.
- The new software doesn't cut the mustard compared to competitors.
Origin
American origin from the late 19th century. The exact origin is unclear—possibly 'mustard' as slang for the best ('main thing'), or from military slang. O. Henry used it in his stories.
How to use it
Often used in negative form ('doesn't cut the mustard'). Common in evaluating performance or quality.
Similar expressions
make the grade
measure up
meet standards
Opposites
fall short
fail to perform
Related idioms
- piece of cake
Something very easy to do
- a piece of cake
Something very easy to do
- in a nutshell
In a very brief or concise form
- an apple a day keeps the doctor away
Eating fruit or having a healthy diet helps maintain good health
- bite off more than you can chew
To take on more responsibility or work than one can handle
- don't put all your eggs in one basket
Don't risk everything on a single opportunity
Use it in a practice answer
Try "cut the mustard" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.