cut to
Related to cut to: cut to the quick
cut (someone or something) to (someone or something)
To slice or chop something into a particular state (such as "shreds" or "bits"). Sharks cut their prey to shreds with their razor-sharp teeth.
See also: cut
cut to (someone or something)
1. To swiftly undermine one's or an argument. As in the first usage, "to" is typically followed by a particular state, such as "shreds" or "bits." If you make this argument, an experienced lawyer will cut you to shreds. You better find another angle for your argument because an experienced lawyer will cut this one to bits.
2. In film, TV, or video editing, to abruptly interrupt a sequence in order to show something else. In this usage, "cut to" is a set phrase. I was watching the football game when they cut to breaking news about the wildfire.
See also: cut
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
cut someone or something to something
1. Lit. to chop or slice up someone or something, especially to bits or pieces. The chef cut the carrots to bite-size pieces. The lawn mower will cut you to bits if you get under it.
2. Fig. to destroy an argument; to destroy someone's argument. The lawyer heard her argument and cut her to bits. She cut the argument to pieces.
See also: cut
cut to someone or something
to shift the radio, movie, or television audience's attention abruptly to someone or something new. Suddenly, the engineer cut to the announcer. The technical director cut to a remote unit that was covering an accident. The camera cut to scenes of Atlanta burning.
See also: cut
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
- cut (someone or something) to (someone or something)
- cut (someone or something) with (something)
- cut with
- cut eyes at
- cut eyes at (someone or something)
- cut (something) on (something)
- cut something to the bone
- cut to the bone
- cut out for, to be
- cut a fat hog