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To stop wasting time and focus on the most important or relevant part of a discussion.
The meeting was dragging on, so I suggested we cut to the chase and talk about the project deadlines.
I proposed focusing immediately on the key issue.
Instead of small talk, let’s cut to the chase—what do you need from me?
Let's skip unnecessary conversation and address the main request.
Commonly used in business, meetings, and casual conversations to urge brevity.
Use 'cut to the chase' when you want to politely interrupt someone who is being overly detailed or off-topic. It signals that you value efficiency.
Since this is an idiom, use it sparingly to maintain its impact. Overusing it may sound unnatural.
The phrase originated in the early 20th century, likely from Hollywood film production. In early silent films, directors would shout 'Cut!' to stop a scene, and 'to the chase' referred to moving to the next action-packed sequence. Over time, it evolved into a metaphor for focusing on what matters.
This idiom is informal and best suited for casual or professional contexts where time is limited. Avoid using it in formal legal or academic writing.