Cant cut the mustard

Can't cut the mustard

Meaning

Unable to meet the demands put upon you.

Examples

He got that promotion too soon. He can’t really cut the mustard.

Where did it originate?

USA, 19th century.

Where is it used?

Worldwide.

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About the Author

Gary Martin

Writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.