Phrasal verb
cut out
Meanings
to remove something from a larger piece by cutting
to stop working or functioning suddenly (of a machine, power, sound, etc.)
to stop doing something annoying or unwanted
Definition
To cut out means to remove something by cutting or to stop working or doing something suddenly.
Cut out is a common phrasal verb with a few everyday meanings. It can mean removing a shape or piece from something by cutting it. It can also mean to stop functioning (for example, a machine or sound) or to stop doing something, often because it is annoying or unwanted. The exact meaning depends on the context.
Examples
- I cut out a paper heart for the card.
- Could you cut out the loud tapping on the desk?
- His microphone cut out halfway through the presentation.
- She cut out sugar for a month to see how she felt.
- They cut out early to avoid the traffic.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes use cut off when they mean cut out for stopping suddenly (e.g., “The sound cut out,” not “cut off”).
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.