Meaning trap
cut across
affect multiple groups
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.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
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.
'cut across' also has the more basic meaning 'to go across an area instead of going around the edge'; this is the advanced sense.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
The problem of climate change cuts across national, economic, and social boundaries.
The issue of digital privacy cuts across various sectors, including education, healthcare, and finance, making it a universal concern.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: The problem cuts across in all groups.
Say: The problem cuts across all groups.
Takes the object directly — no 'in'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Transcends conventional demographic categories' is dense; 'cut across' is the natural (if formal) verb for spanning groups.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
cut across + boundaries
- party lines
- age groups
- class
- boundaries
Don't confuse it
Related
Other meanings and phrases to compare.
- cut across (to go across an area instead of going around the edge) — 'cut across' also has the more basic meaning 'to go across an area instead of going around the edge'; this is the advanced sense.