diff --git a/configure.ac b/configure.ac
index 0f352d896..596117ce5 100644
--- a/configure.ac
+++ b/configure.ac
@@ -8723,10 +8723,11 @@ echo "extern \"C\" {" >> $OPTION_FILE
 echo "#endif" >> $OPTION_FILE
 echo "" >> $OPTION_FILE
 
-# check for supported command to trim option with
+# Check for supported command to trim option with.
+# note: cut requires an argument to exit with success.
 if colrm >/dev/null 2>&1 </dev/null; then
     TRIM="colrm 3"
-elif cut >/dev/null 2>&1 </dev/null; then
+elif cut --version >/dev/null 2>&1 </dev/null; then
     TRIM="cut -c1-2"
 else
     AC_MSG_ERROR([Could not find colrm or cut to make options file])