cut of (one's) jib
cut of (one's) jib
A person's general appearance, manner, mien, style, demeanor, or personality. A reference to the jib sails of a boat (which denoted a ship's allegiance, and therefore potential hostility), it is usually used in the phrase "like the cut of one's jib." I like the cut of your jib—you've got a brazenness in business that's pretty rare these days. I'm not sure why I don't get along with Sarah. I just don't like the cut of her jib.
See also: cut, jib, of
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
cut of one's jib
One's general appearance or personality, as in I don't like the cut of Ben's jib. In the 17th century the shape of the jib sail often identified a vessel's nationality, and hence whether it was hostile or friendly. The term was being used figuratively by the early 1800s, often to express like or dislike for someone.
See also: cut, jib, of
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
the cut of someone's jib
the appearance or look of a person.This was originally a nautical expression suggested by the prominence and characteristic form of the jib (a triangular sail set forward of the foremast) as the identifying characteristic of a ship.
See also: cut, jib, of
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
- cut of one's jib
- jib
- the cut of someone's jib
- cut of his/her jib, I don't like the
- filling
- back and fill
- back and fill, to
- in a minor key
- minor
- more to the point