Phrasal verb
cut across
Meanings
to take a shorter route by going straight across an area instead of following the usual way
to move across the front of someone or something, especially suddenly, and block their way
Definition
To cut across means to take a shorter way by going straight across an area instead of following the usual path or route.
When you cut across, you go directly over or through a place to save time or distance. This often means leaving a road or path and crossing a park, field, parking lot, or similar area. It can also mean moving across the front of someone’s path, for example in traffic.
Examples
- I cut across the park to catch the last train.
- You can cut across the parking lot to reach the café faster.
- He cut across the street without looking and made the driver stop.
- She cut across the field to get to the picnic area before it started raining.
- They cut across in front of us on the trail, so we slowed down.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse cut across (take a shortcut across an area) with cut off (stop someone/something from continuing).
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.