up to snuff

idiom slang

The phrase "up to snuff" likely originates from the 18th-century practice of using powdered tobacco, known as snuff, which was associated with discernment and sophistication.

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Definition

B2General

(informal, common)Meeting the required standard or level of quality.

Example

The new software update is finally up to snuff.
Her work performance is not up to snuff yet.

B2Health and Condition

(informal)In good shape or condition.

Example

The car is up to snuff after the repairs.
He's not feeling up to snuff today.

C1Mental Alertness

(chiefly British, dated)Mentally alert and shrewd.

Example

He's always up to snuff and won't fall for that trick.
She was up to snuff and handled the situation with ease.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "up to snuff":

up to speed up to date pass muster on the ball good enough up to here fit up on the up in tune right as rain done up as good as on point snot up up to the knocker on the level above board good as gold quite good