# cut of one's jib

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/cut-of-ones-jib
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A person's general appearance, manner, or style.

## Examples

- I like the cut of his jib.
- You have a confident style; I like the cut of your jib.
- We hired her because we liked the cut of her jib.
- From the moment she walked in, the manager liked the cut of her jib and offered her the job.
- The investors decided to fund the startup because they liked the cut of the founder's jib during the presentation.
- Even though he was new to the team, everyone respected the cut of his jib and his professional attitude.
- The coach watched the new player practice for five minutes and immediately liked the cut of their jib.
- The old sea captain, sizing up the young sailor in silence, finally nodded, for he approved of the cut of the lad's jib.

## Origin

From cut (“a way of shaping or styling”) and jib (“a triangular staysail set forward of the foremast”), originally a nautical expression alluding to the identification of far-off sailing vessels by the shape of their sails. The idiomatic sense may have been influenced by the similarity of a triangular jib sail to a person’s nose. (disputed)

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.