# make the cut

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/make-the-cut
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- 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.

## 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. (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.