Cut the mustard

Context #1

John: Who are you going to choose for the front desk staff position?

Wick: I’m not sure yet. Both candidates are smart, but neither can cut the mustard.

John: You have to pick one of them though, right?

Wick: Not if they can’t meet our standards.

Context #2

Paulie: I’m not worried about next week’s competition at all.

Adrian: Why? You should never underestimate the abilities of an opponent.

Paulie: I know someone who’s been watching that team, and they say that their skills will never cut the mustard versus our team.

Adrian: Well if they can’t meet the expectations of the competition, they’re going to have a difficult time with our team.

Meaning: The expression "Cut the mustard" means to measure up to the standard or meet the expectation of something. (Usually this involves a set of skills, qualifications, and experiences).

http://languagesystems.edu/ 

Cross that bridge when you/we get there

Context #1

Don: I have to think about so many things. It’s driving me crazy.
Kelly: Well, do you have to make your decision about all of those things now?
Don: I have to decide if I want to buy these two different suits, but I have to finish this work first.
Kelly: Then don’t worry about it for now. You can cross that bridge when you get there.

Context #2

Chad: I’m worried that my girlfriend’s parents won’t like me when I meet them next month.
May: Why are you so worried about it?
Chad: I just can’t help but think that they won’t approve of our relationship.
May: You don’t even know what’s going to happen. You can cross that bridge when you get there. There’s no reason to worry about something that hasn’t happened yet.

Meaning: The expression "Cross that bridge when you/we get there" means to not think about a specific topic or situation until you have to finally face it, because there’s no point in worrying about something that hasn’t happened yet.

http://languagesystems.edu/