cut across — 2 meanings

One phrase, 2 meanings. Learn them one at a time, then test yourself.

phrasal verb2 meanings

cut across

go across an area affect multiple groups

Meaning 1 · most common

go across an area

cut across sth

to move straight through the middle of a place, rather than following the usual path around it, in order to save time or distance.

How oftenCommon

LevelB1

Used inMostly spoken

Examples

We decided to cut across the park to get home faster.

A: How did you get here so quickly?
B: I cut across the field instead of walking all the way around.

Common mistake

Not: Let's cut across ~~through~~ the park.

Say: Let's cut across the park.

'Cut across' already means go through — don't add 'through'.

More on “go across an area”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

If I'm running late for class, I usually cut across the campus lawn instead of taking the main path.

Tell it apart

Let's cut across the field.

go straight through it

Let's go around the field.

follow the edge — the long way

Goes with

cut across + place

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Next meaning: affect multiple groups

Meaning 2

affect multiple groups

cut across sth sth
formal

to be relevant to or have an influence on several different groups, categories, or areas, especially in a way that ignores traditional boundaries or distinctions.

How oftenRare

LevelC2

Used inMostly written

Examples

The problem of climate change cuts across national, economic, and social boundaries.

A: Do you think this policy only affects students?
B: Not at all—it really cuts across all age groups and backgrounds.

Common mistake

Not: The problem cuts across in all groups.

Say: The problem cuts across all groups.

Takes the object directly — no 'in'.

More on “affect multiple groups”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

The issue of digital privacy cuts across various sectors, including education, healthcare, and finance, making it a universal concern.

Tell it apart

The appeal cuts across party lines.

spans every group

Let's cut across the field.

take a shortcut through it

Goes with

cut across + boundaries

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go across an area affect multiple groups