Can't Cut The Mustard

Someone who isn't adequate enough to compete or participate.

There has been an association between the heat and piquancy of mustard and the zest and energy of people's behaviour. This dates back to at least 1672, when the term 'as keen as mustard' is first recorded. 'Up to mustard' or just 'mustard' means up to standard in the same way as 'up to snuff'. 'Cutting' has also long been used to mean 'exhibiting', as in the phrase 'cutting a fine figure'. the derivation of 'cutting the mustard' as an alternative way of saying 'exhibiting one's high standards'. Not cutting it would then simply be not up to standards.

 Ex: Oh that is no where near good enough! It doesn’t cut the mustard!



 Spanish:

German: Das bringts einfach nichts