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cut in

B1 neutral inseparable both
In simple words

To suddenly join a conversation or a queue when it is not your turn, or to move in front of someone's car.

Literal meaning: To cut into a space, inserting oneself into it.

Meanings

1 B1 neutral

To interrupt a conversation or what someone is saying.

""Sorry to cut in," she said, "but I think I have the answer to that question.""

Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 informal

To move suddenly in front of another vehicle in traffic.

"A red car cut in right in front of me on the motorway, forcing me to brake hard."

Grammar: inseparable
3 B2 neutral

To approach a couple dancing and ask one of them to dance with you instead.

"Halfway through the waltz, her brother cut in and danced her to the other side of the room."

Grammar: inseparable
4 B2 idiomatic informal

To include someone in a share of profits or a deal.

"If you help me set this up, I'll cut you in for twenty percent."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Common in everyday speech. In the driving sense, 'cutting in' (or 'cutting someone up') is considered rude and dangerous. In the dancing sense, it is a traditional, usually polite custom. Also used in business to mean including someone in a deal.

Commonly used with

conversation traffic queue dance deal profits

Forms

Base
cut in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
cuts in
he/she/it
Past simple
cut in
yesterday
Past participle
cut in
have + pp
-ing form
cutting in
continuous

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