cut in — 2 meanings

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

phrasal verb2 meanings

cut in

1interrupt someone who is speaking 2suddenly drive in front of another vehicle

Meaning 1 · most common

interrupt someone who is speaking

cut in on sb/sth

To start speaking while someone else is talking, usually without waiting for them to finish.

How oftenCommon

LevelB1

Used inMostly spoken

Examples

Please don't cut in while I'm explaining the instructions.

A: I was saying that—
B: Sorry to cut in, but I think we need to hurry.

Common mistake

Not: He always cuts in me when I'm talking.

Say: He always cuts in when I'm talking. / He always cuts me off.

'Cut in' is intransitive ('cut in while/when'); to interrupt a person, use 'cut someone off'.

More on “interrupt someone who is speaking”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

During group discussions, it's important not to cut in when someone else is sharing their opinion.

Tell it apart

Sorry to cut in, but we're out of time.

interrupt to speak

He cut me off mid-sentence.

stopped me from finishing

Goes with

cut in (+ on)

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Next meaning: suddenly drive in front of another vehicle

Meaning 2

suddenly drive in front of another vehicle

cut in on sb/sth

To move your vehicle quickly in front of another car, often without enough space or warning.

How oftenCommon

LevelB2

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

A car cut in right in front of me on the highway, and I had to brake hard.

A: Did you see that guy just cut in?
B: Yeah, that was really dangerous.

Common mistake

Not: A car cut in me on the motorway.

Say: A car cut in front of me on the motorway.

Use 'cut in front of' someone when driving — not 'cut in' someone.

More on “suddenly drive in front of another vehicle”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

One problem with city driving is that some drivers cut in without signaling, which can cause accidents.

Tell it apart

A taxi cut in front of me.

swerved in while driving

Sorry to cut in, but...

interrupt a conversation

Goes with

cut in (front of)

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interrupt someone who is speaking suddenly drive in front of another vehicle