What does the idiom cut the mustard mean?

What does “cut the mustard” mean? To cut the mustard is “to reach or surpass the desired standard or performance” or more generally “to succeed, to have the ability to do something.” For instance, Beyoncé really cut the mustard in her new song.

Where did the idiom cut the mustard?

The first recorded use of the phrase is by O Henry in 1907, in a story called The Heart of the West: “I looked around and found a proposition that exactly cut the mustard”. The modern sense of the idiom is “to succeed; to have the ability to do something; to come up to expectations”.

What is the origin of the expression cut the mustard?

Etymology. Probably from likening the pungency of the spice mustard as a superlative or as something that adds zest to a situation. Possibly derived from the idiom 'to pass muster', an expression for assembling military troops for inspection.

What does mustard mean in British slang?

The word mustard is used in several English idiomatic expressions and is also used as a (mainly British) slang term with several different meanings. For example, mustard can mean money. i.e. My girlfriend left me because I don't earn enough mustard! It can also be used to replace the word good.

What does cut the mustard mean fart?

3. rude slang To fart. I can't believe you cut the mustard in the car. Now we have to smell it all the way home!

CUT THE MUSTARD - IDIOM OF THE DAY

What is the idiom cut the cheese?

Verb. cut the cheese (third-person singular simple present cuts the cheese, present participle cutting the cheese, simple past and past participle cut the cheese) (Canada, US, euphemistic, slang) To fart (flatulate).

Is the saying cut the muster or cut the mustard?

To recap: “To pass muster” is correct. “To cut the mustard” is correct. All other forms are just a bit muddled.

Does not cut the mustard expression?

When you use the expression 'Can't Cut the Mustard' you mean that someone is unable to succeed or meet expectations. Example of use: “I really like Jake, but he just can't cut the mustard.”

Where does Bob's your uncle come from?

In 1887, British Prime Minister Robert Gascoyne-Cecil appointed his nephew Arthur James Balfour as Minister for Ireland. The phrase 'Bob's your uncle' was coined when Arthur referred to the Prime Minister as 'Uncle Bob'. Apparently, it's very simple to become a minister when Bob's your uncle!

What does the term Bob's your uncle mean?

Definition of and Bob's your uncle

British, informal. —used to say that something is easy to do or use Just complete the form, pay the fee, and Bob's your uncle!

What does being at sixes and sevens mean?

phrase [usually verb-link PHRASE] If you say that someone or something is at sixes and sevens, you mean that they are confused or disorganized.

What does the idiom get down to brass tacks mean?

Definition of get down to brass tacks

informal. : to start to discuss or consider the most important details or facts about something We finally got down to brass tacks and decided to work out a schedule for the project.

Where does cut the cheese come from?

Origin of cut-the-cheese

This idiom references the foul smell emitted by some cheeses many of which have a rind that keep the odor in. Once the rind is pierced, as in the case of slicing it, the not so pleasant smell is released.

What does it mean to cut the cake?

The cake cutting represents the first activity done as a couple, although historically the bride did this act alone to symbolize the loss of her virginity.

What does it mean to cut a fart?

cut a fart

tv. to release intestinal gas through the anus. (Usually objectionable.)

What does the idiom Cut to the Chase mean?

Get to the point, get on with it, as in We don't have time to go into that, so let's cut to the chase. This usage alludes to editing (cutting) film so as to get to the exciting chase scene in a motion picture. [ Slang; 1920s]

What does Dutch oven mean slang?

In cooking, a Dutch oven is a type of heavy pot with a lid. But in slang, a Dutch oven is when you pass gas in bed and pull the covers over someone else's head, trapping it in like a Dutch oven traps heat.

Why do we say cut a check?

When Americans want to write a cheque, they cut a slice of timber from a tree and carve the name of the payee and the amount into it - hence the term 'cut a check'. Special wood cutting tools are provided by banks. They also similarly 'cut' invoices.

Can we cut to the chase?

"Cut to the chase" is a phrase that means to get to the point without wasting time. The saying originated from early film studios' silent films. It was a favorite of, and thought to have been coined by, Hal Roach Sr.

What is the meaning of this idiom once in a blue moon?

1. Once in a blue moon: This poetic phrase refers to something extremely rare in occurrence. A blue moon is the term commonly used for a second full moon that occasionally appears in a single month of our solar-based calendars.

What is the meaning of the idiom at a loose end?

Definition of at a loose end

: not knowing what to do : not having anything in particular to do With everyone on vacation she was at a loose end. Drop by if you find yourself at a loose end this weekend.

What does a drop in a bucket mean?

A very small quantity, especially one that is too small. For example, These contributions are just a drop in the bucket; the new church wing will cost thousands more.

Why is it called Dressed to the nines?

So in the end, “dressed to the nines” is most likely simply an offshoot of the previous “to the nines” expression, more or less meaning “perfect” or “to perfection.” Where “to the nines” came from exactly is a bit of a mystery. The “Nine Muses” origin theory seems to have the strongest case.

Where did dressed to the 9s come from?

The phrase is said to be Scots in origin. The earliest written example of the phrase is from the 1719 Epistle to Ramsay by the Scottish poet William Hamilton: The bonny Lines therein thou sent me, How to the nines they did content me.

What's the meaning of Dressed to the nines?

If you say that someone is dressed up to the nines or dressed to the nines, you mean that they are wearing very smart or elegant clothes.