Meaning trap
cut across
to go across an area instead of going around the edge
to move straight through the middle of a place, rather than following the usual path around it, in order to save time or distance.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
to move straight through the middle of a place, rather than following the usual path around it, in order to save time or distance.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
We decided to cut across the park to get home faster.
If I'm running late for class, I usually cut across the campus lawn instead of taking the main path.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
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'.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Proceed diagonally to economise time' is absurdly formal; 'cut across' is the everyday shortcut verb.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
cut across + place
- the field
- the park
- the car park
- the grass