Idiom
cut to the chase
Meanings
To get to the most important point immediately, without extra background or delays.
Definition
To cut to the chase means to get to the main point without wasting time.
If you cut to the chase, you stop giving unnecessary details and talk about what matters most. People say it when they want a quicker, clearer answer or decision. It can sound direct, so use it carefully in very formal or sensitive situations.
Examples
- Let’s cut to the chase—do we have enough money for this project or not?
- I’ll cut to the chase: I can’t make the trip this weekend.
- He cut to the chase and told us the real reason he was leaving.
- Can you cut to the chase and tell me what you need from me?
- She cut to the chase before the meeting ran out of time.
More at B2 level
- Bob's your uncle Used to say that something will be easy or will happen exactly as expected after a simple step.
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share a quick update or confirm plans.
- ballpark figure A ballpark figure is an approximate number or estimate, not an exact one.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to tease someone or make fun of them in a not-too-serious way.
- cheap as chips Very cheap; costing very little money.
More idioms
- Bob's your uncle Used to say that something will be easy or will happen exactly as expected after a simple step.
- close but no cigar Used to say someone almost succeeded but did not quite achieve the goal.
- down to the wire If something goes down to the wire, it is decided at the very last moment before the deadline or fi…
- lost the plot To become confused or unreasonable and no longer understand what is happening or what matters.
- ducks in a row To have everything organized and ready in the correct order.