Cuts no ice

Posted by James Briggs on April 27, 2001

In Reply to: Cuts no ice posted by ESC on April 27, 2001

: : : : Does any body have the meaning to the phrase "cut's no ice"

: : : "That doesn't cut any ice" means (to me) "that doesn't get the job done" or "that doesn't impress anyone." I couldn't find the phrase in any of my references but I'm guessing that it refers to the old-time custom, before refrigeration, of cutting blocks of ice from ponds and storing them in icehouses for summer.

: : So it's a phrase-synonym for "That dog can't hunt"?? Or "it doesn't cut the mustard"...
: : - Patty

: That's what I think.

Here's what my reference book(s) say:

To cut no ice means to have no influence. The saying comes from the USA and actually means what it says, unlike many other sayings. The cutting here is done by ice skates and, if not sharp, will not allow the wearer to slide easily over the ice. Blunt blades make no impression - they cut no ice.

• Cuts no ice GAZZ 04/28/01
  • Cuts no ice R. Berg 04/28/01
    • Origin Ojeirol 05/08/01