What does too old to cut the mustard mean?

Most often, the phrase is used in negative constructions for when something doesn't live up to expectations or can't do the job, e.g., The quarterback couldn't cut the mustard in the playoffs.

Where did the phrase too old to cut the mustard come from?

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 slang?

Idioms and Slang using the Word 'Mustard'

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 couldn't cut the mustard mean?

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.”

What does the saying happy as Larry mean?

happy as Larry in British English

or as happy as Larry. British, Australian and New Zealand informal. extremely happy.

The Carlisles - Too Old To Cut The Mustard (ORIGINAL) - (1951).

What does the expression 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 cut the cheese mean?

cut the cheese ​Definitions and Synonyms

phrase​American. to fart. Synonyms and related words. Removing gas from the body.

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.

What does act the mustard mean?

Definition: To be sufficient for something; to be of high enough quality. People often use this idiom in its negative form, such as he doesn't cut the mustard.

Where does the phrase Let's get down to brass tacks mean?

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.

What does Apple pie order meaning?

Definition of in apple-pie order

informal. : arranged neatly or perfectly : in perfect order Everything in the cupboard was (arranged) in apple-pie order.

What is the origin of the phrase up to snuff?

Snuff was powdered tobacco inhaled through the nose. The phrase up to snuff comes from a playwright in the 1800s. He used it to describe someone as knowing what is going on or being well-informed or 'in the know'. Over time the definition changed and now it more closely resembles the phrase up to scratch.

Why do they say fit as a fiddle?

The violin was picked out as the exemplar because of the alliteration of fit and fiddle, and because the violin is a beautifully shaped instrument producing a very particular sound. But then fit came to mean 'in good physical shape' and so fit as a fiddle came to mean 'in good condition physically'.

What is the meaning of chip of the old block?

Definition of chip off the old block

An expression used of people who closely resemble their parents in some way: “Mark just won the same sailboat race his father won twenty years ago; he's a chip off the old block.”

What does beating around the bush mean?

to avoid giving a definite answer or position. Please stop beating around the bush and tell me the full story.

Where Does Stone the crows come from?

"Stone the crows" comes from an actual event which happened in the late 1800s, just south of Roebourne in Western Australia. A teenager who was part of the original white settlement there was becoming exasperated with the flies and the heat and in a moment of temper he picked up a stone to throw at a crow.

What is the saying had the biscuit?

To be no longer functional or useful; to be dead or about to perish. Primarily heard in Canada. This old truck has served me well, but after lasting 20 years, it's finally had the biscuit.

Where did down to the wire come from?

To the last minute; to the very end. For example, We're just about down to the wire with this project. This term comes from horseracing, where it was long the practice to stretch a wire across and above the track at the finish line. It was extended to figurative use about 1900.

Where did the expression kick the bucket come from?

The term is known to date from at least the 16th century. The more interesting (and probably apochryphal) origin relates to suicides who would stand on a large bucket with noose around the neck and, at the moment of their choosing, would kick away the bucket.

Why is it called cutting a rug?

Origin: "Cutting a rug" comes from the 1920s and the 1930s when couples would dance the jitterbug. The jitterbug was a vigorous dance that when done continuously by many couples in one area would make the carpet appear as though it was "cut" or "gashed".

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.

Why do they say scott free?

IN MACBETH you may recall the line "We have Scotched the snake, not killed it" - which means that the snake is scratched, or injured. So the original expression "Scotch Free" meant uninjured or even unmarked; it very quickly became Scot-Free because of colloquial speech.

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. [informal]

Why is Fanny your aunt?

A phrase with the same meaning is 'Fanny's your aunt'. When used together it means complete or the whole lot. If Bob's your uncle and Fanny's your aunt you've got a full set of relatives and you are complete.

What does his finger in every pie mean?

Definition of have a finger in a/the/every pie

: to have an interest or share in something a sharp talent agent who has a finger in nearly every pie in show business.