muster (redirected from passing muster)

muster something up

to call up some quality, such as courage. Do you think you can muster enough courage up to do the job? Can you muster up enough strength to do the job?

See also: up

muster out of something

to be discharged from military service. He mustered out of the service before his time was up. I want to know how I can muster out too.

See also: out

pass muster

Fig. to measure up to the required standards. I tried, but my efforts didn't pass muster. If you don't wear a jacket and tie, you won't pass muster at that fancy restaurant. They won't let you in.

See also: pass

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pass muster

to be of an acceptable standard for a particular purpose Well, how did I do in the test? Do I pass muster?

See also: pass

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pass muster

to be acceptable or satisfactory The tortillas and tacos we offered for lunch today didn't pass muster with the students.

Etymology: based on the military use of the phrase pass muster (to gather soldiers in a group to show officers they are acceptably dressed and equipped)

See also: pass