- To stop doing something that is already failing or causing problems, in order to minimize further loss or damage.
Explanation
Origin
- Comes from finance and gambling.
- If an investment or bet is losing money, one might cut the loss by selling or withdrawing before it gets worse.
- It implies accepting a smaller loss now to prevent a potentially larger one later.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Bail
- Ditch it
- Walk away
- Call it a day (implies stopping, often due to failure or fatigue)
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- Fuck this, I'm out. (Expresses frustration and decision to quit)
- Get the hell out.
Milder/Formal:
- Disengage from the venture
- Cease further investment
- Withdraw from the situation
- Mitigate further risk
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal to Formal.
- Appropriate in business, financial, and personal contexts when discussing ending a failing endeavor.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Ensure the listener understands it's about stopping *future* losses, even if it means accepting *current* ones. It's a strategic retreat, not just giving up easily.
Examples
- The project is way over budget and behind schedule; maybe it's time to cut our losses.
- I realized the relationship wasn't working, so I decided to cut my losses and move on.
- He invested heavily in the stock, but had to cut his losses when the market crashed.
Dialogue
Investor 1: This startup is burning through cash much faster than projected.
Investor 2: And they haven't hit any key milestones. I think it's time we cut our losses.
Investor 1: It's painful to walk away now, but you might be right. Continuing could just mean throwing good money after bad.
Investor 2: Exactly. Let's inform the board.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: Sometimes the smartest move is to know when to cut your losses. Learned that the hard way with my last side project. #lessonslearned #entrepreneur
- Reddit Post (r/relationships): Been dating for 6 months, constant arguments, different life goals. Is it time to cut my losses? #advice #dating
- Forum Comment (Investing): Holding onto a stock that's down 50%? Might be time to cut your losses unless you have strong reasons for a rebound. #stockmarket #investing
Response Patterns
- You think it's really that bad?
- That's a tough decision.
- Are you sure there's no way to turn it around?
- Probably a wise move.
- What makes you say that now?
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After someone suggests cutting losses:
- Discuss the reasons why the situation is deemed unsalvageable.
- Analyze the potential consequences of stopping versus continuing.
- Plan the steps for disengagement or abandonment.
- Consider alternatives or exit strategies.
Conversation Starter
- No. It's usually advice or a decision made in response to an ongoing negative situation.
Intonation
- Stress usually on cut and losses.
- Often said with a tone of reluctant pragmatism or decisiveness. CUT your LOSSES.
Generation Differences
- Widely understood and used by adults.
Regional Variations
- Common across all major English-speaking regions.