cut the mustard

phrase

Synonyms of cut the mustardnext
: to achieve the standard of performance necessary for success
I tried to join the soccer team, but I couldn't cut the mustard.

Examples of cut the mustard in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Between Kiffin, the coaching staff, and the roster, this is easily a $150 million operation, and 8-4 and a trip to the Duke's Mayo Bowl isn't going to cut the mustard. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cut the mustard was in 1884

Rhymes for cut the mustard

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Browse Nearby Words

cut the Gordian knot
cut the mustard
cutthroat
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Cite this Entry

“Cut the mustard.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cut%20the%20mustard. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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