make the cut
To succeed at something or meet a requirement; to be chosen out of a field of candidates or possibilities.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“I hope my application makes the cut.”
“Only the freshest vegetables make the cut for this expensive soup.”
“After three rounds of interviews, he was disappointed to learn that he did not make the cut for the position.”
“The coach watched the players carefully all week before deciding which five athletes would finally make the cut for the starting team.”
“Despite his impressive portfolio and years of experience, he failed to make the cut when the committee prioritized candidates with specialized technical certifications.”
disputed origin
The idiom is said to originate from the sport of golf, where a player is said to make the cut by matching or exceeding a specific score. This threshold determines whether a competitor avoids elimination and is permitted to play the final two rounds of a four-round tournament. As the tournament field is reduced, those falling below the required standard are removed from the roster, leaving the survivors to conclude the event.
- 01
absence makes the heart grow fonder
One feels more love or affection for those one loves when parted from them.
- 02
cannot make it
Cannot reach satisfactory or expected standards or do something competently; describes someone in a hopeless situation.
- 03
clear cut
Straightforward, obvious, simple, or basic.
- 04
cut a dash
To make a display of oneself; to give a conspicuous impression.
- 05
cut a deal
To reach a negotiated agreement.
- 06
cut a figure
To present an image; to make an impression.
- 07
cut a rug
To dance, especially in a vigorous manner and in one of the dance styles of the first half of the twentieth century.
- 08
cut a swath
Alternative form of cut a wide swath.
Last updated August 10, 2026