Learn English – What’s the origin of the expression “(can’t) hack it”

etymology

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From Collins:

phrase

If you say that someone can't hack it or couldn't hack it, you
mean that they do not or did not have the qualities needed to do a
task or cope with a situation.

[informal]

You have to be strong and
confident, and never give the slightest impression that you can't hack
it.

hack

COBUILD Advanced English Dictionary. Copyright ©
HarperCollins Publishers

Is it only a variation of "(can't) cut it" or does it trace its roots
back to another place?

Best Answer

This is just a quick answer:

To be the mustard = to be special (circa 1903)

To cut the mustard = to succeed (1907)

To cut it = to succeed (once the previous idiom was established)

To hack it = to cope (circa 1955)