ENGLISH
REFERENCE

make the cut

idiom
Meaning

To succeed at something or meet a requirement; to be chosen out of a field of candidates or possibilities.


Origin

disputed origin

From the sport of golf, in which players are said to make the cut when they match or exceed a certain score, thus avoiding elimination during the final two rounds of a four-round tournament.

Examples
SIMPLE

I hope my application makes the cut.

CONTEXTUAL

After three rounds of interviews, he was disappointed to learn that he did not make the cut for the position.

COMPLEX

Despite his impressive portfolio and years of experience, he failed to make the cut when the committee prioritized candidates with specialized technical certifications.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    absence makes the heart grow fonder

    One feels more love or affection for those one loves when parted from them.

  2. 02

    cannot make it

    Cannot reach satisfactory or expected standards or do something competently; describes someone in a hopeless situation.

  3. 03

    clear cut

    Straightforward, obvious, simple, or basic.

  4. 04

    cut a dash

    To make a display of oneself; to give a conspicuous impression.

  5. 05

    cut a deal

    To reach a negotiated agreement.

  6. 06

    cut a figure

    To present an image; to make an impression.

  7. 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.

  8. 08

    cut a swath

    Alternative form of cut a wide swath.

Last updated April 17, 2026