Pass muster

usgb
verb

To meet the necessary standards or requirements; to be adequate or satisfactory.

Your project will not pass muster if it's not submitted by the deadline.
Visual representation of "pass muster" - To meet the necessary standards or requirements; to be adequate or satisfactory

Often appears as...

  • does not pass muster
  • barely pass muster

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "pass muster"
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Military Origin

The phrase 'pass muster' originally refers to soldiers being inspected and approved for readiness.

Illustration for Military Origin
His attention to detail is so thorough, it would pass muster in any army.
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Meeting Expectations

Use 'pass muster' to express that something fulfills the expected standards, especially for approval or acceptance.

Illustration for Meeting Expectations
The new design passed muster with the focus group and will go into production.
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Negative Use

Often used in the negative to indicate failure to meet standards, implying rejection or the need for improvement.

Illustration for Negative Use
Unfortunately, the prototype didn't pass muster with the engineers.
Visual representation of the word "Pass muster"

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