cut it
Meet the standard
Cut it means to meet requirements or perform adequately—nearly always used in the negative.
If something doesn't cut it, it falls short of expectations or fails to satisfy a standard.
His excuses just don't cut it anymore.
The phrase likely derives from the idea of making the cut, as in qualifying for a competition.
A related expression, cut the mustard, carries the same meaning of measuring up to a challenge.
Meet required standards
- pass musterMeet required standards
- qualifyMeet required criteria
- succeedAchieve a desired aim
- performExecute or present
deliver · make the grade · prove oneself · come through · suffice · manage · cope · do the job
Complete sudden stop
- ceaseTo discontinue activity
- quitCease doing something
- desistTo stop doing
- knock offUnauthorized replica product
enough · freeze · lay off · that's enough · leave off · refrain · discontinue · terminate
Abruptly rude in speech
- brusqueAbrupt and dismissive
- bluntDull or tactlessly direct
- terseBrief to bluntness
- snappyQuick and clever
short · sharp · gruff · rude · discourteous · peremptory · clipped · dismissive
measure up
Meet required standards
- pass musterMeet required standards
- qualifyMeet required criteria
- succeedAchieve a desired aim
perform · deliver · make the grade · prove oneself · come through · suffice · manage · cope · do the job
halt
Complete sudden stop
knock off · enough · freeze · lay off · that's enough · leave off · refrain · discontinue · terminate · suspend
curt
Abruptly rude in speech
snappy · short · sharp · gruff · rude · discourteous · peremptory · clipped · dismissive · impolite
cut itfall short
Fail to reach standard
fail · miss the mark · come up short · flunk · bomb
cut, cutting, it, haircut, cut off, cut out, cuts, shortcut, uncut