Make the cut

Origin

The phrase "make the cut" finds its clearest roots in the rigorous world of professional golf. In multi-day tournaments, a score threshold, known as the "cut line," is established after the first one or two rounds. Players whose scores are worse than this line are eliminated from the competition and do not advance to the final rounds. This stark, numerical standard for survival on the golf course cemented the phrase's meaning, quickly extending its vivid image of competitive selection to all aspects of life where one must meet a strict benchmark to succeed.