1 B1 neutral
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."
inseparable
cut across
B1 neutral inseparable transitive
To take a shorter route by going diagonally across something; or to affect or apply to many different groups at once.
In plain English
To cross something diagonally to save time, or to affect many different types of people or things.
What does "cut across" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
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."
inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic neutral
To interrupt or contradict something that is happening or being said.
"His remark cut across what we had all agreed on just minutes before."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To cut (move) across something, crossing it diagonally.
Actually means
To cross something diagonally to save time, or to affect many different types of people or things.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "cut across"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
field park divisions boundaries party lines age groups
How to conjugate "cut across"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
cut across
I/you/we/they
3rd person
cuts across
he/she/it
Past simple
cut across
yesterday
Past participle
cut across
have + pp
-ing form
cutting across
continuous
Hear "cut across" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "cut across" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.