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cut through

B1 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words

To go straight through something to save time, or to deal with a complicated problem in a clear and direct way.

Literal meaning: To use a blade or sharp object to pass through the middle of something.

Meanings

1 B1 neutral

To move directly through an area as a shortcut.

"If we cut through the alley, we'll reach the station much faster."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 neutral

To penetrate or slice through a physical material or substance.

"The laser cut through the metal with remarkable precision."

Grammar: inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic neutral

To deal with or see past something complex, confusing, or obstructive in a clear and direct way.

"Her presentation cut through all the jargon and explained the issue in plain terms."

"We need to cut through the red tape and get this project moving."

— Phrase commonly used in business and political speeches; widely attributed to various UK and US politicians during deregulation debates in the 1980s–1990s.
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Very common in both literal and figurative senses. The figurative sense ('cut through the bureaucracy', 'cut through the noise') is very popular in business and political speech. Often suggests efficiency and clarity.

Commonly used with

red tape bureaucracy noise confusion park shortcut

Forms

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

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