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pass muster

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pass muster

Fig. to measure up to the required standards. I tried, but my efforts didn't pass muster. If you don't wear a jacket and tie, you won't pass muster at that fancy restaurant. They won't let you in.

See also: muster, pass

pass muster

to be acceptable or satisfactory The tortillas and tacos we offered for lunch today didn't pass muster with the students.

Etymology: based on the military use of the phrase pass muster (to gather soldiers in a group to show officers they are acceptably dressed and equipped)

See also: muster, pass

pass muster

to be of an acceptable standard for a particular purpose Well, how did I do in the test? Do I pass muster?

See also: muster, pass

pass muster

Meet a required standard, as in That yard cleanup won't pass muster with Mom. This expression originally meant "to undergo a military review without censure," muster referring to an assembling of troops for inspection or a similar purpose. [Late 1500s]

See also: muster, pass

pass muster

To be judged as acceptable.

See also: muster, pass

pass muster

To pass an examination or inspection; measure up to a given standard.

See also: muster, pass