Idiom
cut to the chase
Meanings
To get to the main point quickly and skip unnecessary details.
Definition
To stop giving extra details and talk about the most important point immediately.
To cut to the chase means to get to the main point without wasting time on unnecessary details or a long introduction. People use it when they want a clearer, faster explanation or decision. It can sound direct, so it’s often used in casual conversation or when time is limited.
Examples
- Let’s cut to the chase—are you accepting the offer or not?
- He talked for ten minutes, so I asked him to cut to the chase.
- Cut to the chase and tell me what you really want.
- We’re short on time, so I’ll cut to the chase and share the results.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes use it in very formal writing or to a superior in a way that sounds rude; soften it with polite language if needed.
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 updates, confirm plans, or check progress.
- ballpark figure A ballpark figure is an approximate number or estimate, not an exact one.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to mock someone or tease them in an unkind or cheeky way.
- cheap as chips Very cheap; costing very little money.
More idiom (verb phrase)s
- touch base To touch base means to briefly contact someone to share updates, confirm plans, or check progress.
- take the mickey To take the mickey means to mock someone or tease them in an unkind or cheeky way.
- drop the ball To drop the ball means to make a mistake or fail to do something you were responsible for.
- have a chinwag To have a chinwag means to have a relaxed, friendly chat with someone.
- face the music To accept and deal with the unpleasant consequences of what you have done or a difficult situation.