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muster
muster out of something
to be discharged from military service. He mustered out of the service before his time was up. I want to know how I can muster out too.
muster something up
to call up some quality, such as courage. Do you think you can muster enough courage up to do the job? Can you muster up enough strength to do the job?
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.
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)
pass muster
to be of an acceptable standard for a particular purpose Well, how did I do in the test? Do I pass muster?
muster in
Enlist in military service. For example, They were mustered in at Fort Dix. The antonym is muster out, meaning "to leave or be discharged from military service," as in He was mustered out and given a dishonorable discharge. [First half of 1800s]
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]
muster in
v.1. To enlist someone in military service. Used chiefly in the passive: Once the men were mustered in, they got their heads shaved.
2. To enlist in military service: In the US, you can't officially muster in until you're 18 years old.
muster out
v.1. To discharge someone from military service. Used chiefly in the passive: The last of the soldiers who fought in that battle were mustered out last week.
2. To be discharged from military service: I mustered out last month, and I'm proud that I had the chance to serve my country.
muster up
v. To gather up some force of will to do something: I couldn't muster up the courage to tell them about my terrible mistake. Although the team lost, they mustered some good cheer up and went to the party.
pass muster
To be judged as acceptable.
pass muster
To pass an examination or inspection; measure up to a given standard.