to divide or make an opening in something, using a sharp tool, especially a knife, to remove something from something else using a sharp tool, especially a knife, to reduce the amount of something

cut and dried, cut corners, cut the mustard

Formal and Informal Expressions of cut

In different contexts, you can replace 'cut' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'divide, reduce' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'chop, slice' is a commonplace synonym.

cut: Explore its Definition & Usage

cut Definition

1to divide or make an opening in something, using a sharp tool, especially a knife
2to remove something from something else using a sharp tool, especially a knife
3to reduce the amount of something

Using cut: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "cut" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
I cut my finger while chopping vegetables.
Example
She cut her hair short.
Example
The company is cutting jobs to save money.

cut Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for cut

Antonyms for cut

join
unite
attach
connect

Phrases with cut

cut and dried
already decided and unlikely to be changed
Example
The plan is cut and dried, we just need to implement it.
cut corners
to do something in the easiest, cheapest, or quickest way, often sacrificing quality
Example
They cut corners on the construction of the building, leading to safety issues.
cut the mustard
to meet expectations or perform satisfactorily
Example
He didn't cut the mustard in the interview and didn't get the job.

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Summary: cut in Brief

To 'cut' [kʌt] means to divide or make an opening in something with a sharp tool, remove something using a sharp tool, or reduce the amount of something. It can refer to physical actions like cutting hair or vegetables, or metaphorical actions like cutting jobs. Phrases like 'cut and dried' mean already decided, 'cut corners' means doing something in the easiest way, and 'cut the mustard' means meeting expectations.