cut across

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Word: Cut Across

Definition: The phrase "cut across" has a few meanings in English. Primarily, it can mean to travel diagonally over an area or to pass through something, like a path or a space. It can also mean to go against the usual way of thinking or to affect different groups or categories.

Usage Instructions:

1. Traveling or Moving: Use "cut across" when you want to describe a route that is not direct but takes a diagonal path.
2. Opinions or Ideas: Use it when discussing how certain opinions or actions can affect different groups or break the usual boundaries.

Examples:

1. Traveling: "To save time, we decided to cut across the park instead of taking the longer road around it."
2. Opinions: "The new policy on recycling cuts across political party lines, as everyone agrees it's important."

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced contexts, "cut across" can be used in discussions where ideas, issues, or movements impact multiple areas, such as "The environmental movement cuts across economic and social concerns."

Word Variants:

• Cut (verb): The base form of the word.
• Cutting (gerund): The act of cutting.
• Cuts (noun): The plural form, can refer to reductions or injuries.

Different Meanings:

1. Physical Movement: Moving diagonally or through an area.
2. Contrary Opinions: Going against traditional views or norms.
3. Broad Impact: Affecting multiple groups or interests.

Synonyms:

• Traveling: Traverse, cross, pass through.
• Opinions: Transcend, cut through, break boundaries.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• Cut across the board: This means to affect all groups or categories equally.
  • Example: "The budget cuts will cut across the board, impacting all departments."
• Cut across boundaries: This suggests that something goes beyond the usual limits or categories.
  • Example: "Her art cuts across boundaries, appealing to both young and old."

Summary:

"Cut across" is a versatile phrase in English that can describe both physical movement and abstract ideas.

Academic

Verb

1. cut using a diagonal line
2. be contrary to ordinary procedure or limitations
   • Opinions on bombing the Serbs cut across party lines
3. travel across or pass over
   • The caravan covered almost 100 miles each day

Synonyms

• crosscut
• traverse
• track
• cover
• cross
• pass over
• get over
• get across
• cut through