They haven't toed the mark yet

[curmudgeon]

Originally Posted by Kurt

Could I also say here something like: "they (these men) don't pass muster...." or "they don't fit the bill....". IMHO, these two idioms do refer to "meeting certain requirements/standards", or?

Your clarifications on these would be very thankful!

Yes ,you are on the right lines.

[Mordant]

I always felt that 'toe the mark', or 'toe the line' was a form of obediance to rules as opposed to fitness for the task.
If you come in late to work you are told you need to 'toe the line'.

[mykwyner]

Yes, you need to conform to the standard. If conforming to the standard means obedience to the rules, then you are right. However, if you are in a community where rule breaking is the standard, and you obey the rules, then you haven't "toed the line."

[curmudgeon]

If you are involved in politics. you may be expected to 'toe the party line'