Ignorant of a certain fact or issue. For Example: “In the debate when the Senator was asked his opinion on nuclear waste disposal, it was clear by his stuttering that he is in the dark on that issue.”

Not fit to be a part of. For Example: “Debra thought she wanted to become a journalist, but after her first week of classes she determined she’s not cut out for that career.”

Often shortened to “can’t cut it,” this phrase means you can’t handle a certain task or issue. For Example: “Bill thought about joining the Marines, but he eventually concluded that he just can’t cut basic training.”

Without being prepared in advance. For Example: “The President was asked to give a speech off the cuff, so he wasn’t at his best.”

One thing that is very different from another thing, usually inferior. For Example: “You can’t compare Cornell to Harvard. Cornell is a far cry from Harvard.”