Student Name: ___________________________________ Date: ___________

Directions: Use the RUNNERS strategy to answer the following questions. Make sure that you
prove where you found your answers. Take your time and do your very best!
Can’t Cut the Mustard!
by Sandra Roth

1 Have you ever heard the expression “Can’t Cut the Mustard”? Have you ever wondered
where it came from? The phrase “Can’t Cut the Mustard” is an idiom. Idioms are
phrases that are common to one particular language or one particular region. For
example, a non-native English speaker would probably look at you crazy if you said, “He
can’t cut the mustard.” Possibly, they would envision a jar of yellow mustard and a
knife, and wonder what you’re talking about. However, English-speaking people have a
common understanding that this particular phrase means, “He is not good enough for
the job.”

2 Where did this phrase and others like it come from? There are many suggestions, but
no one knows for sure. Many people believe that the phrase simply came from
mispronouncing the word “muster.” “Muster” was used as a military term meaning “to
get your troops together for inspection.” If the general could successfully get his troops
together, then he did his job well― basically, he cut the mustard! The part about
“cutting” comes from another military term to show different ranks. A general in the
army is a “cut above” a lieutenant.

3 Others believe that the phrase comes from the actual task of cutting
a tiny mustard seed. The tiny outer shell of the seeds is hard and
very difficult to cut; therefore, one is judged whether or not he or she
can do it. All in all, the phrase refers to the question of whether or
not an individual is good enough for the job at hand.

4 Idioms can be used in everyday circumstances. Take food

for example.

Beverage:
Don’t cry over spilled milk― don’t be concerned by what has already happened
Salad:
Cool as a cucumber― very calm
Main course:
Don’t count your chickens before they hatch― do not expect all plans to be successful
Couch potato― a very lazy person
Spill the beans― to tell a secret
Desert:
Piece of cake― very easily done

5 The next time you hear an idiom, just remember there is a meaning and a history
behind every one of these crazy phrases!
6-2.5
1. What is the best description of an idiom?

A a word or phrase with an exact meaning

B a word that has at least two different meanings
C a word or phrase that is common to all languages
D a word or phrase only common to a particular language

6-1.10
2. What makes this passage a work of nonfiction?

A It is based on facts.
B It is based on ideas.
C It is based on humor.
D It is based on opinions.
6-2.5
3. According to the article, how does the word “muster” become “mustard”?

A It was commonly misspelled.

B It was commonly mispronounced.
C The word “muster” no longer exists in English.
D The words “muster” and “mustard” are synonyms.
6-3.3
4. What does the idiom “Don’t cry over spilled milk” mean?

A Always be prepared for the future.

B Grow up and stop acting like a child.
C Tears of joy are better than tears of embarrassment.
D Don’t pay too much attention to what has happened in the past.
6-3.2
5. Which word from the passage contains a prefix?

A cutting
B general
C possibly
D mispronouncing

6-3.2
6. Which word from the passage contains a suffix?

A army
B troops
C mustard
D language