cut it
1. To be at a satisfactory or requisite level; to successfully complete or accomplish a desired or expected result. Do you think the underdog will be able to cut it against the returning champion in the ring? I have to warn you, Jenkins, your last few reports haven't quite cut it. You're going to need to improve if you want to keep your job here. I know you highly recommended this guy, but he just doesn't cut it. He can't keep up when things get busy.
2. To stop doing something. Come on, man, cut it! We'll totally get in trouble if you keep throwing the ball in the house! If they don't cut it soon, I'm going to go up there and give them a piece of my mind. All right, I've had enough of the complaining! Cut it, kids, and try to actually enjoy this hike!
3. To handle, endure, or tolerate something. This situation is so stressful that I don't think I'll be able to cut it for much longer. A: "Why is Carrie pacing?" B: "She's waiting for the doctor to call, and, as you can see, she's having a hard time cutting it." I just don't think you'd be able to cut it in a call center job. Most people can't.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
cut it
1. Also,
cut that. Stop, as in
I won't stand for that-cut it! or
If you don't cut that, I'll tell. [
Slang; first half of 1800s] Also see
cut it out.
2. Manage, tolerate, as in I don't know how he can cut it. [Slang; c. 1900]
3. Be effective, prove satisfactory, as in
She's getting old and can no longer cut it. [Late 1900s] For a synonym see
cut the mustard. Also see the subsequent entries beginning with
cut it.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.