30 Phrasal Verbs using “CUT” with Meanings and Sentences:

Cut across

Meaning: To take a shorter route

Sentence: We can cut across the park to reach the store faster.

Cut back

Meaning: To reduce or decrease

Sentence: The company had to cut back on expenses during the recession.

Cut down

Meaning: To fell (a tree)

Sentence: We need to cut down that old oak tree; it’s becoming a safety hazard.

Cut in

Meaning: To interrupt or join suddenly

Sentence: He rudely cut in while I was speaking to the manager.

Cut off

Meaning: To disconnect or isolate

Sentence: The storm cut off power to the entire neighborhood.

Cut out

Meaning: To remove or eliminate

Sentence: I’ve decided to cut out sugar from my diet.

Cut up

Meaning: To divide into smaller pieces

Sentence: Can you please cut up the vegetables for the salad?

Cut through

Meaning: To penetrate or navigate quickly

Sentence: The new blade easily cuts through the toughest materials.

Cut loose

Meaning: To free from restraint or release

Sentence: After years of strict discipline, she finally cut loose at the party.

Cut corners

Meaning: To do something in the easiest or cheapest way

Sentence: The contractor cut corners on the building project, leading to safety issues.

Cut it fine

Meaning: To allow very little time or margin

Sentence: We’re cutting it fine if we want to catch the last train.

Cut to the chase

Meaning: To get to the point without wasting time

Sentence: Let’s cut to the chase and discuss the main issue at hand.

Cut both ways

Meaning: To have both positive and negative consequences

Sentence: The new policy cuts both ways: it helps some employees but hurts others.

More phrasal verbs:

Cut one’s teeth on

Meaning: To gain one’s first experience of something

Sentence: She cut her teeth on small local projects before taking on international clients.

Cut a deal

Meaning: To reach an agreement

Sentence: The two companies cut a deal to merge their operations.

Cut and run

Meaning: To leave abruptly

Sentence: When the police arrived, the thieves cut and ran.

Cut no ice

Meaning: To have no influence or effect

Sentence: His excuses cut no ice with the strict teacher.

Cut someone some slack

Meaning: To be lenient or understanding

Sentence: Cut her some slack; she’s new to the job and still learning.

Cut to the quick

Meaning: To hurt someone’s feelings deeply

Sentence: His harsh criticism cut me to the quick.

Cut one’s losses

Meaning: To abandon a failing project to minimize losses

Sentence: After months of poor sales, they decided to cut their losses and close the store.

Cut a wide swath

Meaning: To have a significant impact or influence

Sentence: The new technology is cutting a wide swath through the industry.

Cut someone down to size

Meaning: To humble someone or reduce their importance

Sentence: The debate performance cut the overconfident candidate down to size.

Cut out for

Meaning: To be suited for or capable of

Sentence: I don’t think I’m cut out for this high-pressure job.

Cut a fine figure

Meaning: To make an impressive appearance

Sentence: He cut a fine figure in his new tailored suit.

Cut the mustard

Meaning: To meet the required standard

Sentence: The new employee just couldn’t cut the mustard and was let go.

Cut to ribbons

Meaning: To severely criticize or defeat

Sentence: The opponent’s argument was cut to ribbons by the skilled debater.

Cut from the same cloth

Meaning: To be very similar in character

Sentence: Those two brothers are cut from the same cloth; they both love adventure.

Cut someone dead

Meaning: To ignore someone completely

Sentence: She was so angry that she cut him dead at the party.

Cut one’s coat according to one’s cloth

Meaning: To live within one’s means

Sentence: You need to cut your coat according to your cloth and stop overspending.

Cut the Gordian knot

Meaning: To solve a complex problem in a simple way

Sentence: The manager cut the Gordian knot by making an executive decision rather than prolonging the debate.