Cut The Mustard Meaning, Examples, Synonyms

The meaning of the idiom “cut the mustard” is to meet the expectations of any situation or meet the desired standard. The Connection between the Mustard and Excellence has a literal meaning i.e. Cutting down mustard plants. 

The origin of this idiom traces back to America. It was recorded to be used in a Texas Newspaper i.e. Galveston in the year 1891-1892. Later it was used by the Author in one of his short stories “The Hear of The West” in the year 1907. 

Also Read: Idioms For IELTS

Usage With Examples

The “cut the mustard” is generally used in a negative situation with words like won’t, didn’t. However, there are positive scenarios too to depict its usage. 

Some of these examples are;

1. Beyond sang so well that she cut the mustard.
2. The Indian team couldn’t cut the mustard in the Asia Cup.
3. He couldn’t cut the mustard in his performance in the company’s sales.

Synonyms and Related Phrases 

Other than using directly the phrase, “cut the mustard”, here are some synonyms and related phrases to depict the same meaning of the idiom:

1. Accomplish
2. Meet the expectations
3. Complete the target
4. Being successful
5. Come through.
6. Carry off

Cut The Mustard Meaning Quiz

Which of these is not the synonym of “cut the mustard”?

1. Be capable of
2. Have made it.
3. Came to nothing.
4. Mark the grade.

The answer to this question is “Came to nothing”.

Also Read: List of Idioms and Phrases for IELTS

This was all about the idiom cut the mustard meaning and examples. Hope you understood the concept where it’s used. For more such blogs, follow Leverage Edu.