The phrasal verb "cut through" is primarily used in informal speech and writing, often found in everyday conversation, journalistic contexts, and less formal written accounts. It describes the act of navigating through something quickly or with ease, and it can be both literal and figurative. For example, someone might "cut through a park" to take a shortcut or "cut through the noise" to describe focusing on the essential aspects amidst distractions. Its usage implies efficiency and often a deliberate avoidance of complexity or detours. In formal speech or writing, synonyms like "navigate efficiently" or "bypass obstacles" may be preferred. "Cut through" is versatile and can apply to both physical actions, like moving through a crowded area, and metaphorical actions, like addressing the heart of a problem directly. This phrasal verb may occasionally appear in formal contexts when discussing straightforward strategies or solutions in business or technical settings, but its informal connotation typically prevails.
B1
Intermediate
1. To move easily and quickly through a substance or area.
The boat cut through the water with ease.
The new car model cuts through traffic more efficiently due to its advanced features.
2. To make something easier to understand or to deal with, especially by removing unnecessary information.
The manager's explanation cut through all the technical jargon.
The program is designed to help students cut through the complexities of calculus.