cut across
To cross something diagonally to save time, or to affect many different types of people or things.
Meanings
To go across an area diagonally, taking a shorter route than following the main path.
"We cut across the park to reach the station faster."
To affect, involve, or apply to many different groups, categories, or areas at the same time.
"The issue of healthcare cuts across political party lines and affects everyone."
To interrupt or contradict something that is happening or being said.
"His remark cut across what we had all agreed on just minutes before."
Two distinct senses: one literal (taking a shortcut), one figurative (spanning across boundaries or categories). The figurative sense is common in academic and journalistic writing.
Commonly used with
Forms
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