Making the cut

Making the cut means being chosen or picked to be part of a group or to move forward, as in a competition. When you make the cut, this usually means that you performed well in something and because of this, you are considered worthy of moving forward. Things can also make the cut, as in photographs or paintings that are chosen out of many to be part of an exhibit.


like this:

1. Tom got picked for the basketball team. Unfortunately his twin brother, Ted, didn't make the cut.

2. I heard John auditioned for the concert choir at school. Do you know if he made the cut?

3. I can't believe our band actually made the cut to perform at the festival. This will give us a lot of exposure.

4. Her paintings got selected in the preliminaries, but it didn't make the final cut.

5. The company is looking for five new salespeople. I think my interview went well; I hope I make the cut.

Alright, ladies and gents. Have you made the cut lately? Have you done well in a competition or an application that you got selected to be part of a chosen group? If you have, congratulations! ... and oh yeah! Tell us about it. 

Hope to hear from you.

Joe Yu

the small guide

thesmallguidesite.com

P.S. Think about giving The small guide To Improving Your English to friends and family who are learning English. They'll thank you for it.
Really, it's a great small gift idea. 

Kindle anyone?

 It's ready! Get your digital copy of The small guide To Improving Your English at the Kindle Store. For a mere $1.99, you can check out the booklet and consider giving it out for the holidays. Really, it's a great small gift idea--perfect for friends, family, coworkers, employees who are studying English.

Give them grammar rules; give them examples; give them chances to practice.

Spread the word!

Joe Yu

the small guide at thesmallguidesite.com

That just doesn't cut it.

When something just doesn't cut it, it means it's simply not good enough. Because it's not good enough, you usually have to do it again until it meets someone's approval or some kind of requirement. This expression is usually used only in the negative.


like this:
1. You have to rewrite this essay and correct the mistakes if you want it published. Right now, it just doesn't cut it.
2. Read a news article at least three times if you want to improve your English. Once just doesn't cut it.
3. We have a very picky client who only wants the best. I don't think what we have here is going to cut it. Let's try another color or design.
4. Let's make two turkeys this year. We have a lot of guests for Thanksgiving dinner. I don't think one's gonna cut it.
5. Nice job, everyone. Really. But if you want your college applications to stand out, getting a B just doesn't cut it. You'll have to aim for an A. So study harder.


Alright, everyone. Remember, if you want to improve your English, merely understanding just doesn't cut it; you have to practice.


Good luck!
Joe Yu
the small guide
thesmallguidesite.com