not cut the mustard

not cut the mustard

To not be at a satisfactory or requisite level; to not successfully complete or accomplish a desired or expected result. The underdog gave a brilliant performance in the ring, but he just could not cut the mustard against the returning champion. I have to warn you, Jenkins, your last few reports haven't quite cut the mustard. You're going to need to improve if you want to keep your job here.
See also: cut, mustard, not
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

not cut the mustard

If someone or something doesn't cut the mustard, they are not of an acceptable standard. He's certainly a fine writer but as a director, he doesn't quite cut the mustard. For me, neither show quite cuts the mustard. Note: Less commonly, you hear people say that someone or something can cut the mustard, meaning that they are of a good standard. The thirty-year-old striker is keen to prove that he can still cut the mustard. Note: In the United States, `mustard' used to be slang for `the best' or `the genuine article'.
See also: cut, mustard, not
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
See also:
  • not for a second
  • not for a minute
  • not for a moment
  • aint
  • ain't
  • not for a instant
  • not for a/one minute/moment/second/instant
  • by no means
  • not by any means
  • (I) hope not
References in periodicals archive
"A bean patty would not cut the mustard as that lets down vegans," he said.
KFVC? The Colonel's experts develop vegan 'chicken' burger
my But this does not cut the mustard in all environments.
I can't go back to the old me - it's just not me now
He said: "We would be admitting as a nation that we simply did not cut the mustard, we were not up to taking our place in the world."
DON'T CAVE IN NOW
Joselu and Aleksandar Mitrovic, two of the more recent signings, simply have not cut the mustard.
Slim pickings up front puts pressure on Islam; TOON NEW BOY MUST SHOW NO FEAR AND CHANNEL THE ATMOSPHERE IN HIS FAVOUR
However, that would not cut the mustard for children of today.
Hi-tech versions of classic games to entertain kids; IT Talk
JOHN Clancy falling on his sword is not the solution to the woes of this Labour council's incompetence, and it seems endemic that they just "do not cut the mustard".
Councillors don't cut the mustard; Get in touch - tell us what you think Email: letters@birminghammail.co.uk Twitter: @birminghammail Facebook: facebook.com/birminghammail Post: Birmingham Mail, Floor 6, Fort Dunlop, Fort Parkway, B24 9FF
|| Nuno conceded his side had not cut the mustard against the streetwise Championship pacesetters yet vowed not to change style on the back of a first setback.
Nuno calls for better protection
"We need to see decisive action from the Welsh Government and a recognition that stringent cattle controls and additional biosecurity will not cut the mustard on their own.
AMs urged to face up to reality OFTB
I love this idea of recycling old postcards and agree totally with Jean that the modern trend for a collective email greeting just does not cut the mustard. In the 1950s spirit of make do and mend, I therefore give advance warning to all relatives and friends for the remainder of 2016.
Ken Rogers; LOST TRIBES The People's Memories OST Tribes reader Jean Ellis picked
Some courts have concluded that such letters, lacking an explanation why coverage may not be owed, do not cut the mustard, no matter how many times they may use the words "reservation of rights." [See Safeco Ins.
Reservation of Rights: Harsh Consequences for Getting it Wrong
Camra would be better off facing the reality that many of the pubs that shut simply do not cut the mustard and are not long mourned.
NO TEARS FOR THE LOSS OF THE LOCAL; Robert Sutcliffe robert.sutcliffe@examiner.co.uk
However, this may not cut the mustard with the two- judge bench.
CBI READY TO PROBE IPL 6
He looked likely to complete the hat-trick until parting company with dougie Costello in Musselburgh''''s Scottish Triumph Hurdle, but although he headed to Cheltenham as a lively outsider for the Triumph itself, he could not cut the mustard, trailing home in 12th position.
Kashmir to Peak at Ayr
FORMER Wales international Robbie Savage would not cut the mustard with Wrexham according to a jovial player-boss Andy Morrell after he watched the now retired midfielder in training yesterday.
Dragons the Focus of Savage camera
But he did offer up a tacit admission that his big but ponderous midfield of Tindall and Shontayne hape had not cut the mustard. "Mike hadn't played since March, Shape hadn't played since April," said Johnson.
SHOw SOmEbOttlE; WORLD CUP WARM?UP: WALES 19 ENGLAND 9 Fuming Johnson smashes away drink containers,then lays into his England flops