cut to the chase
Filed under C
In a sentence
- I don't have time for small talk, let's cut to the chase and discuss the main issue.
- The film was filled with unnecessary scenes, but the director decided to cut to the chase and focus on the thrilling parts.
- Instead of going through all the details, let me cut to the chase and tell you the bottom line.
Where it comes from and how it is used
One more related idiom is "clip it." This idiom echoes the sentiment of "cut to the chase" by emphasizing the act of removing unnecessary elements or trimming away excess. Just as "cut to the chase" encourages skipping unimportant details, "clip it" encourages individuals to remove anything that is not essential or relevant. Both idioms promote the idea of streamlining and focusing on what truly matters.
Another idiom related to "cut to the chase" is "cut to pieces." This phrase also conveys the desire to eliminate unnecessary or extraneous elements. It signifies the act of breaking something down into its essential parts, removing any excess or superfluous components. Similarly, "cut to the chase" encourages individuals to skip over irrelevant details and get straight to the core or essence of a matter.
Finally, "cut corners" is another related idiom. While it has a slightly different connotation, it shares the goal of efficiency and expediency. "Cutting corners" refers to taking shortcuts or finding more efficient ways to accomplish a task. Although it can sometimes have negative implications, the underlying desire for efficiency aligns with the essence of "cut to the chase." Both idioms encourage individuals to find the most direct route or approach to achieve their goals.
"cut to the chase" is an idiom that has its roots in the film industry but has since become a widely recognized phrase in everyday language. It embodies the desire for brevity and directness, urging individuals to skip unnecessary details or explanations and get straight to the point. The idiom is related to other idioms such as "cut through," "to the point," "clip it," "cut to pieces," and "cut corners," which all emphasize the importance of efficiency, clarity, and simplicity in various contexts. These idioms provide individuals with powerful tools to express their desire for brevity and effectiveness in communication and action.
Neighbouring idioms
- cut through
- to the point
- clip it
- cut to piecesEffort & character
- cut corners
- bottom lineMoney & work
- come to a head
- down to the short strokes
Know an earlier use or a better origin story?Tell us.