Question

Choose the correct meaning of the idiom/phrase from the given options.
Cut the mustard
a)Prepare spices out of mustard seeds
b)To come up to expectations
c)Having absurd expectations
d)Very enthusiastic

Answer 1

Hint: Idiom refers to a group of words or a phrase that has a different meaning from its literal meaning.

Complete step-by-step answer:

 Cut the mustard means to surpass the required expectations or performance. This phrase was first used in 1907 by O Henry in a story called, ‘The Heart of the West’.
Example- My friend got rejected for the job because he did not cut the mustard. Here, we can understand that ‘X’ got rejected for the job because he couldn’t come up with the required expectations.
Now, let’s examine the given options to find the correct meaning of the above-given phrase:
Prepare spices out of mustard seeds- It refers to the literal meaning of the words. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
To come up to expectations- It means to reach the expected or the required standards. It has the same meaning as the phrase. Hence, it is the correct option.
Having absurd expectations- It means to have illogical and ridiculous expectations. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Very enthusiastic- It means to show eagerness or zeal for something. It has a different meaning from the phrase. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
The correct answer is Option ‘b’.

Note: Eliminate the options that are least likely to have the same meaning as the above-given phrase.