It doesn't cut the mustard....

[Kati Svaby]

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #328 "English Slang Idioms (49)", question 10

I bought a Harbor Freight electric drill, but it just doesn't cut the .......... It doesn't have enough power, and the battery dies quickly.

(a) cheese
(b) run
(c) spread
(d) mustard

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #328 "English Slang Idioms (49)", answer 10

I bought a Harbor Freight electric drill, but it just doesn't cut the mustard. It doesn't have enough power, and the battery dies quickly.

Correct answer: (d) mustard
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...but it doesn't cut the mustard ...=it means somebody meets requirements or is up to standards
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We always deceive ourselves twice about the people we love - first to their advantage, then to their disadvantage.