Question

Choose the correct meaning of the idiom/phrase from the given options.
Cut the mustard

• A. Prepare spices out of mustard seeds
• B. To come up to expectations
• C. Having absurd expectations
• D. Very ethusiastic

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

To come up to expectations

An idiom is a phrase or group of words in a fixed order that have a particular meaning which is different from the meaning of the words on their own.

'Cut the mustard' is an idiom which means to succeed; to come up to expectations. Therefore option B is the correct answer. The origin of this expression is disputed. Some believe it alludes to mustard in the sense of the best or main attraction (owing to its spicing up food), whereas others believe it is a corruption of 'pass muster'. Some also believe that it concerns the preparation of mustard, which involves adding vinegar to mustard seed to "cut" (reduce) its bitterness.

Options A, C and D are incorrect because they are not the correct meanings of the idiom.