- Means to get directly to the main point or the most important part of a discussion, skipping unnecessary details or preamble.
Explanation
Origin
- Believed to originate from early silent films (early 20th century), particularly chase scenes which were often the exciting climax.
- Directors might literally say cut to the chase scene to skip slower plot development and get to the action.
- It transitioned into general use meaning get to the exciting/important part.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Spit it out. (Can sound impatient or rude)
- Get down to brass tacks. (Similar meaning, focus on core facts)
- Just give me the skinny. (Ask for the essential information)
More Direct/Impatient:
- What's your point?
- So?
More Polite (Professional):
- Could we focus on the main objective?
- What's the key takeaway here?
- To save time, perhaps we could address the primary issue first?
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal to semi-formal.
- Can be used in business if the relationship is established and efficiency is valued, but might sound abrupt or rude if used with superiors or in very formal settings.
- Tone is crucial.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Non-native speakers might take cut literally.
- The abruptness can be misinterpreted as rudeness if the learner isn't familiar with its common usage for efficiency.
Examples
- Okay, I know you're busy, so I'll cut to the chase. We need your decision by tomorrow.
- He talked for ten minutes before finally cutting to the chase about why he called.
- Stop beating around the bush and cut to the chase!
Dialogue
Manager: Alright team, thanks for joining the call. I wanted to briefly go over last quarter's performance and then discuss...
Employee: Sorry to interrupt, Sarah, but I have another meeting in 5 minutes. Could we cut to the chase on the main action items?
Manager: Right, good point. Okay, cut to the chase: we need everyone to submit their project proposals by end of day Friday.
Employee: Got it. Thanks.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: Too many rambling intros on YouTube videos these days. Just cut to the chase! #rant #youtube
- Forum Post: Okay, I've read the whole thread. Let me cut to the chase: the consensus seems to be X, right?
- Chat: Friend 1: Hey, got a sec? Friend 2: Kinda busy, what's up? Friend 1: Ok, cut to the chase can I borrow your car Saturday?
Response Patterns
- Okay, shoot. (Meaning: Go ahead and tell me.)
- Alright, what is it?
- Sure, what's the main point?
- The speaker then proceeds to state the main point directly.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After someone says Cut to the chase:
- The person addressed usually immediately states the important information or makes their request.
- Example: Okay, cut to the chase. We need more funding.
After someone *has* cut to the chase:
- The listener typically responds directly to the main point raised. (Okay, more funding? How much?)
Conversation Starter
- No. Usually used mid-conversation to refocus or speed things up.
Intonation
- Often said with a slightly faster pace and emphasis on CUT and CHASE.
- Can sound impatient or efficient depending on tone. CUT to the CHASE.
Generation Differences
- Widely understood and used across most adult generations.
Regional Variations
- Common in American English. Also understood and used in other English-speaking regions like the UK and Australia, though perhaps slightly less frequent than get to the point.