mustard

be as keen as mustard (British & Australian, old-fashioned)

to be very eager. Why don't we ask Tom to captain the cricket team? He's as keen as mustard.

can't cut the mustard (British, American & Australian, British)

if you can't cut the mustard, you cannot deal with problems or difficulties. If she can't cut the mustard, we'll have to find someone else to do the job.

See also: can't, cut

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not cut the mustard

not satisfactory or right for the situation. Cutting taxes for the rich doesn't cut the mustard with most middle-class people.

Usage notes: sometimes used in the form cut the mustard: When you're a kid, you always think you have to prove that you can cut the mustard.

not cut it

Etymology: from a slang meaning of mustard (= someone who is thought to be important or very skilled )

See also: cut