by Jenniferocious on February 1st, 2007
'Pass muster' generally is used to mean 'pass inspection'
Muster has a few definitions:
-a gathering of military personnel for duty; "he was thrown in the brig for missing muster"
-an early colonial census where inhabitants were called out to appear to be counted
-gather or bring together; "muster the courage to do something"
Usually, people say something didn't 'pass muster' when they mean that it didn't meet the requirements, or didn't pass inspection, or it wasn't up to expectations.
by - retroglide - on February 1st, 2007
It is a phrase of naval origin. No one knows exactly who said it first. Later the phrase was mangled. Versions like "cut the mustard" were being used.
by Scubabob on February 1st, 2007
It's actually Pass Muster and it's origin is in the military. It means to pass inspection. Muster is the Naval equivalent of forming rank and file for an address by NCO's or Officers.
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Comments
You are always so good.
by VOD on February 1st, 2007
I always thought it was pass the mustard. Learn something new everyday!
by Mrs.mezzo is a Wagnerian soprano on February 1st, 2007
lol... no, not pass the mustard... but people do say "cut the mustard" which has the same implied meaning, but is really a horribly mangled version of "pass muster".
by Jenniferocious on February 1st, 2007
I thought it was "cheese". Like "Thats a lovely Sharp cheddar bust of Lincoln.Tell me, did you cut the cheese?"
by VOD on February 1st, 2007
lol no, I think 'cut the cheese' has a very different meaning!
by Jenniferocious on February 1st, 2007