THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Cut to the chase
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
To get straight to the main point without wasting time.
Usage note: keep in mind
Cut to the chase means get to the central point without more background or delay. It can be useful in a short discussion, but an instruction to someone else may sound abrupt. Let me cut to the chase softens it by describing your own action.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- Let’s cut to the chase—are you going to accept the offer or not?
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
Let’s ________—are you going to accept the offer or not?
Show the answer
Cut to the chase — To get straight to the main point without wasting time.
Try your own sentence (optional)
Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Cut to the chase” about your own life.
Check your sentence
Does your sentence match this meaning?
To get straight to the main point without wasting time.
Compare: Let’s cut to the chase—are you going to accept the offer or not?
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
Self-review only. Your sentence is not automatically marked, saved or submitted.
This quiz is for practice. To save lesson completion on this device, complete the checks in the app.
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More ways to understand and use it
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More examples in context
- Let me cut to the chase: we need to choose a date today.
- After several introductions, the presenter cut to the chase and explained the proposal.
Check your understanding
Which opening is more tactful: 'Stop talking and cut to the chase' or 'Let me cut to the chase and explain the main issue'?
Check your answer
The second is more tactful because the speaker manages their own explanation instead of criticising another person's speech.
Use it in your own words
Write one new situation where cut to the chase fits. Explain the situation in plain English first, then rewrite it using the expression. Check that the tone and meaning suit your audience.