cut of one's jib
Someone's overall impression
The cut of one's jib is one's general appearance or demeanor, especially as it creates a first impression.
From nautical terminology—a jib is a triangular sail at the front of a ship, and its cut could identify a vessel's nationality or intent from a distance.
The phrase appears almost exclusively in judgments about character: I don't like the cut of his jib.
It suggests sizing someone up based on how they carry themselves.
- appearanceOutward visible form
- first glanceEarliest visual assessment
- bearingPosture or orientation
- demeanorOutward manner, conduct
- body languageUnspoken physical expression
manner · impression · look · style · aspect · sailboat · nautical · rigging · mast · old salt · sailor · sea legs · seaworthy · ship shape · swagger · personal style · carriage · countenance
cut of one's jibreal self
Authentic core identity
true colors · essence · substance · soul · heart
cut of one's jibtrack record
History of performance
reputation · lived experience · actions speak louder than words · known quantity · credentials