Cut the Mustard
To achieve success. To meet expectations.
Origin / Etymology
- According to one version, the phrase originates from the strong taste of the mustard condiment, which is associated with superlatives.
- According to another version, the origin of the idiom is from the military and is connected with another idiom – 'to pass muster', which means inspection of military units. A unit that has achieved an excellent rating during a previous inspection has the right to 'cut' – skip official inspection and be exempted from it.
Mustard ['mʌstəd] – Mustard (Brassica alba). Horseradish.
BBC Lesson on the Idiom Cut the Mustard:
The Rolling Stones – You Can't Cut The Mustard:
Learn English from home at a time convenient for you:
Kabinata Learning System;- Video recordings from our system;
- Teacher reviews and testimonials;
- Free tool for learning words;
- English with 'I Can Do More'.