Do you know - Phrases and Expressions - "Cut"
- Owen Nash
- Jan 14
- 11 min read
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1. Cut to the chase
Question: What does the phrase "cut to the chase" mean?
A) Stop cutting paper
B) Get to the main point without unnecessary details
C) Run very quickly
D) End a conversation abruptly
Correct Answer: B) Get to the main point without unnecessary details
Explanation: "Cut to the chase" means to go straight to the main topic, skipping unnecessary details.
Traditional Chinese: 直接進入主題
Simplified Chinese: 直接进入主题
Examples:
"We don’t have much time, so let’s cut to the chase and discuss the project’s main challenges."
"After some small talk, she cut to the chase and explained why she was there."
2. Cut corners
Question: What does "cut corners" mean?
A) Make sharp turns
B) Skip necessary steps to save time or money
C) Decorate a room
D) Start a new path
Correct Answer: B) Skip necessary steps to save time or money
Explanation: "Cut corners" means to do something in a quicker or easier way that results in lower quality.
Traditional Chinese: 偷工減料
Simplified Chinese: 偷工减料
Examples:
"The company cut corners on quality to increase their profit margins."
"Don’t cut corners with safety; it could lead to serious consequences."
3. Cut it out
Question: What does "cut it out" mean?
A) Finish cutting paper
B) Stop doing that
C) Start over
D) Turn the lights out
Correct Answer: B) Stop doing that
Explanation: "Cut it out" is an expression used to tell someone to stop doing something that is annoying or inappropriate.
Traditional Chinese: 停止
Simplified Chinese: 停止
Examples:
"The kids were making too much noise, so I told them to cut it out."
"If you keep bothering her, she’s going to ask you to cut it out."
4. Cut back
Question: What does "cut back" mean?
A) Go backwards
B) Reduce the amount of something
C) Trim a tree
D) Leave the house
Correct Answer: B) Reduce the amount of something
Explanation: "Cut back" means to reduce or decrease the amount of something, such as spending or consumption.
Traditional Chinese: 減少
Simplified Chinese: 减少
Examples:
"We need to cut back on expenses to save more money."
"He’s trying to cut back on his coffee intake."
5. Cut down to size
Question: What does "cut down to size" mean?
A) Make clothes smaller
B) Reduce someone's perceived importance
C) Lose weight
D) Chop trees
Correct Answer: B) Reduce someone's perceived importance
Explanation: "Cut down to size" means to show someone that they are not as important or powerful as they think.
Traditional Chinese: 讓某人認清現實
Simplified Chinese: 让某人认清现实
Examples:
"The new manager was cut down to size after the board meeting."
"He needed to be cut down to size after bragging too much."
6. Cut through the noise
Question: What does "cut through the noise" mean?
A) Use scissors on something noisy
B) Be noticeable among distractions
C) Cut through the sound waves
D) Silence everyone
Correct Answer: B) Be noticeable among distractions
Explanation: "Cut through the noise" means to stand out and be heard in a crowded or cluttered environment.
Traditional Chinese: 在雜音中脫穎而出
Simplified Chinese: 在杂音中脱颖而出
Examples:
"Her innovative ideas helped her cut through the noise in a competitive market."
"The campaign was designed to cut through the noise and reach more viewers."
7. Cut someone off
Question: What does "cut someone off" mean?
A) Stop providing them with resources
B) Let them pass
C) Remove them from a group photo
D) Introduce them to others
Correct Answer: A) Stop providing them with resources
Explanation: "Cut someone off" means to stop supplying or supporting someone, often abruptly.
Traditional Chinese: 中斷聯繫
Simplified Chinese: 中断联系
Examples:
"The landlord cut him off after he missed three rent payments."
"Her parents cut her off financially when she dropped out of college."
8. Cut your losses
Question: What does "cut your losses" mean?
A) Sell everything you own
B) Stop investing in a failing project
C) Keep working harder
D) Cut down a tree
Correct Answer: B) Stop investing in a failing project
Explanation: "Cut your losses" means to stop pursuing something that is no longer profitable to prevent further loss.
Traditional Chinese: 止損
Simplified Chinese: 止损
Examples:
"After months of poor sales, they decided to cut their losses and close the store."
"You need to cut your losses before you lose more money."
9. Cut ties
Question: What does "cut ties" mean?
A) Mend broken relationships
B) Sever relationships or connections
C) Join a group
D) Tie a knot
Correct Answer: B) Sever relationships or connections
Explanation: "Cut ties" means to end a relationship or association with someone or something.
Traditional Chinese: 斷絕關係
Simplified Chinese: 断绝关系
Examples:
"After the scandal, he decided to cut ties with the organization."
"She cut ties with her former employer after a dispute."
10. Cut the crap
Question: What does "cut the crap" mean?
A) Clean up a mess
B) Stop talking nonsense and be serious
C) Start telling stories
D) Stop doing chores
Correct Answer: B) Stop talking nonsense and be serious
Explanation: "Cut the crap" is an informal expression used to tell someone to stop speaking nonsense and get serious.
Traditional Chinese: 別胡扯
Simplified Chinese: 别胡扯
Examples:
"We’re running out of time, so cut the crap and tell me what happened."
"Cut the crap and get to the point; we need to make a decision."
11. Cut in line
Question: What does "cut in line" mean?
A) Leave the line
B) Join the line at the front without waiting
C) Stand quietly in line
D) Cut the line with scissors
Correct Answer: B) Join the line at the front without waiting
Explanation: "Cut in line" means to unfairly move ahead of others waiting in line.
Traditional Chinese: 插隊
Simplified Chinese: 插队
Examples:
"It’s rude to cut in line; everyone should wait their turn."
"He got angry when someone cut in line at the concert."
12. Cut a deal
Question: What does "cut a deal" mean?
A) Refuse to negotiate
B) Negotiate and agree on terms
C) Cut a piece of paper into a specific shape
D) Break an agreement
Correct Answer: B) Negotiate and agree on terms
Explanation: "Cut a deal" means to negotiate and come to an agreement or arrangement.
Traditional Chinese: 達成協議
Simplified Chinese: 达成协议
Examples:
"The company cut a deal with a major supplier to reduce costs."
"They managed to cut a deal that satisfied both parties."
13. Cut the mustard
Question: What does "cut the mustard" mean?
A) Use mustard in cooking
B) Meet a required standard or expectation
C) Make a mustard sandwich
D) Fall short of expectations
Correct Answer: B) Meet a required standard or expectation
Explanation: "Cut the mustard" means to meet or exceed the necessary standards or requirements.
Traditional Chinese: 達到標準
Simplified Chinese: 达到标准
Examples:
"He couldn’t cut the mustard in his new job, so he resigned."
"If you want to make the team, you need to cut the mustard."
14. Cut one's losses
Question: What does "cut one's losses" mean?
A) Double the investment
B) Stop investing time or money to prevent further loss
C) Start over
D) Keep trying harder
Correct Answer: B) Stop investing time or money to prevent further loss
Explanation: "Cut one's losses" means to stop investing in a failing project to avoid greater loss.
Traditional Chinese: 止損
Simplified Chinese: 止损
Examples:
"After realizing the business wasn’t profitable, they cut their losses and closed it down."
"It’s better to cut your losses now before you lose even more money."
15. Cut someone some slack
Question: What does "cut someone some slack" mean?
A) Be strict with them
B) Give them a break and be lenient
C) Leave them out of a task
D) Make them work harder
Correct Answer: B) Give them a break and be lenient
Explanation: "Cut someone some slack" means to be less critical and more lenient with someone.
Traditional Chinese: 體諒
Simplified Chinese: 体谅
Examples:
"I know he made a mistake, but cut him some slack—he’s new here."
"Cut her some slack; she’s been under a lot of pressure lately."
16. Cut both ways
Question: What does "cut both ways" mean?
A) Be double-edged or have both positive and negative effects
B) Cut through two objects
C) Be indecisive
D) Fail at a task
Correct Answer: A) Be double-edged or have both positive and negative effects
Explanation: "Cut both ways" refers to something having both positive and negative consequences.
Traditional Chinese: 兩面俱有影響
Simplified Chinese: 两面俱有影响
Examples:
"The new policy could cut both ways; it may save money but also reduce employee morale."
"Being famous cuts both ways—you gain popularity, but you lose privacy."
17. Cut and dried
Question: What does "cut and dried" mean?
A) Simple and straightforward
B) Complicated and unclear
C) Half-finished
D) Always changing
Correct Answer: A) Simple and straightforward
Explanation: "Cut and dried" describes something that is clear, unambiguous, or decided.
Traditional Chinese: 明確的
Simplified Chinese: 明确的
Examples:
"The rules are cut and dried—no room for negotiation."
"The decision to close the store was cut and dried."
18. Cut a rug
Question: What does "cut a rug" mean?
A) Dance enthusiastically
B) Destroy furniture
C) Clean a carpet
D) Argue loudly
Correct Answer: A) Dance enthusiastically
Explanation: "Cut a rug" is a playful idiom meaning to dance, usually with energy and joy.
Traditional Chinese: 舞動身影
Simplified Chinese: 舞动身影
Examples:
"The music was so good that everyone wanted to cut a rug on the dance floor."
"She loves to cut a rug at weddings and parties."
19. Cut to the bone
Question: What does "cut to the bone" mean?
A) Reduce to the bare minimum
B) Perform surgery
C) Make a sharp cut
D) Be deeply hurt emotionally
Correct Answer: A) Reduce to the bare minimum
Explanation: "Cut to the bone" means to reduce something as much as possible, often to a painful extent.
Traditional Chinese: 減到最少
Simplified Chinese: 减到最少
Examples:
"The company had to cut expenses to the bone to stay afloat."
"Her criticism cut to the bone, leaving him deeply affected."
20. Cut loose
Question: What does "cut loose" mean?
A) Set free or act without restraint
B) Cut a rope
C) Become wealthy
D) Behave cautiously
Correct Answer: A) Set free or act without restraint
Explanation: "Cut loose" means to let go, act freely, or separate from restrictions.
Traditional Chinese: 解放自己
Simplified Chinese: 解放自己
Examples:
"It’s time to cut loose and enjoy yourself on the weekend."
"The boss decided to cut the underperforming employee loose."
21. Cut out for
Question: What does "cut out for" mean?
A) Be suited for something
B) Leave abruptly
C) Quit a task
D) Start a new hobby
Correct Answer: A) Be suited for something
Explanation: "Cut out for" means to be naturally suited or qualified for something.
Traditional Chinese: 適合
Simplified Chinese: 适合
Examples:
"She’s cut out for teaching; her patience and passion are unmatched."
"I don’t think I’m cut out for a desk job."
22. Cut in
Question: What does "cut in" mean?
A) Interrupt a conversation
B) Make a cake
C) Create something new
D) Stop a machine
Correct Answer: A) Interrupt a conversation
Explanation: "Cut in" means to interrupt someone while they are speaking or doing something.
Traditional Chinese: 打斷
Simplified Chinese: 打断
Examples:
"He always cuts in when others are speaking—it’s so rude."
"I was explaining my point when she suddenly cut in with her opinion."
23. Cut no ice
Question: What does "cut no ice" mean?
A) Have no effect or influence
B) Slide on ice
C) Make a sharp comment
D) Ignore someone
Correct Answer: A) Have no effect or influence
Explanation: "Cut no ice" means to fail to make an impact or impression.
Traditional Chinese: 毫無影響
Simplified Chinese: 毫无影响
Examples:
"His excuses cut no ice with the principal, who demanded immediate action."
"Your complaints cut no ice with me—I won’t change my mind."
24. Cut corners
Question: What does "cut corners" mean?
A) Do something cheaply or quickly by omitting details
B) Drive around corners
C) Take a longer route
D) Avoid obstacles
Correct Answer: A) Do something cheaply or quickly by omitting details
Explanation: "Cut corners" means to save time or money by skipping necessary steps or using shortcuts, often resulting in lower quality.
Traditional Chinese: 偷工減料
Simplified Chinese: 偷工减料
Examples:
"If you cut corners during construction, the building might not be safe."
"The company was accused of cutting corners to increase profits."
25. Cut a long story short
Question: What does "cut a long story short" mean?
A) Skip unnecessary details to summarize a story
B) Tell a detailed story
C) Start a new story
D) Forget about the story
Correct Answer: A) Skip unnecessary details to summarize a story
Explanation: "Cut a long story short" means to condense a story by focusing only on the main points.
Traditional Chinese: 長話短說
Simplified Chinese: 长话短说
Examples:
"To cut a long story short, we missed the train but managed to get a taxi."
"She started explaining, but he asked her to cut a long story short."
26. Cut the cheese
Question: What does "cut the cheese" mean?
A) Pass gas (informally)
B) Slice actual cheese
C) Take a shortcut
D) Finish quickly
Correct Answer: A) Pass gas (informally)
Explanation: "Cut the cheese" is a humorous way to refer to passing gas.
Traditional Chinese: 放屁（幽默）
Simplified Chinese: 放屁（幽默）
Examples:
"Who cut the cheese? It smells terrible in here!"
"The kids couldn’t stop laughing after someone cut the cheese."
27. Cut through the red tape
Question: What does "cut through the red tape" mean?
A) Bypass bureaucratic obstacles
B) Ignore laws
C) Avoid work
D) Use a red ribbon
Correct Answer: A) Bypass bureaucratic obstacles
Explanation: "Cut through the red tape" means to overcome excessive bureaucracy or formalities to accomplish something.
Traditional Chinese: 剪除繁文縟節
Simplified Chinese: 剪除繁文缛节
Examples:
"The new policy aims to cut through the red tape and speed up the process."
"They hired a consultant to cut through the red tape and secure the permit."
28. Cut one's teeth
Question: What does "cut one's teeth" mean?
A) Gain initial experience in something
B) Lose a tooth
C) Start speaking
D) Learn about dentistry
Correct Answer: A) Gain initial experience in something
Explanation: "Cut one's teeth" means to gain experience or develop skills in a particular field or activity.
Traditional Chinese: 磨練經驗
Simplified Chinese: 磨练经验
Examples:
"She cut her teeth in the publishing industry before starting her own company."
"He cut his teeth as a junior reporter before moving into investigative journalism."
29. Cut someone off
Question: What does "cut someone off" mean?
A) Interrupt or block someone
B) Assist someone
C) Continue a conversation
D) Ignore rules
Correct Answer: A) Interrupt or block someone
Explanation: "Cut someone off" means to interrupt them while speaking or to block their way physically.
Traditional Chinese: 打斷/阻擋
Simplified Chinese: 打断/阻挡
Examples:
"She got frustrated when he kept cutting her off during the meeting."
"A car suddenly cut me off on the highway, and I had to brake."
30. Cut to the quick
Question: What does "cut to the quick" mean?
A) Hurt someone's feelings deeply
B) Finish something quickly
C) Start over
D) Take a shortcut
Correct Answer: A) Hurt someone's feelings deeply
Explanation: "Cut to the quick" means to wound someone emotionally or offend them deeply.
Traditional Chinese: 深深刺傷某人的感情
Simplified Chinese: 深深刺伤某人的感情
Examples:
"Her harsh words cut him to the quick, leaving him speechless."
"The betrayal cut her to the quick, and she couldn’t forgive him."
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