cut to the chase

/kʌt tuː ðə tʃeɪs/◆idiom

get to the point

We don’t have much time, so let’s cut to the chase and discuss the budget.

Let's focus on the most important topic immediately.

◆ What It Really Means

To focus immediately on the most important or relevant part of a conversation or task, avoiding unnecessary details or digressions.

¶ Literal Meaning

To physically cut (as in editing film) to a chase scene.

Literal Breakdown

cutto make an incision or edit+to the chasetoward the action sequence in a film

◇ Mental Image

Imagine a film editor quickly skipping to the exciting chase scene, bypassing slow or unimportant parts of the movie.

◈ When to Use

During a team meeting where a colleague is explaining a minor issue, you say, 'Let’s cut to the chase—how much will this project cost?' to steer the discussion toward the budget.

◉ Cultural Note

The phrase reflects the influence of early Hollywood filmmaking on American English. It highlights the cultural value placed on efficiency and directness in communication.

informal

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.

Collocations

let's cut to the chasea polite way to ask someone to be directtime to cut to the chaseurging immediate focus on the main topic

Synonyms

get to the point skip the details come to the point stop beating around the bush

Antonyms

beat around the bush ramble go into detail

Related Phrases

get to the pointidiom

be direct and concise

skip the fluffphrase

omit unnecessary details

bottom linephrase

the main point or essential fact

Pro Tip

When to use

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.

Gold Rule

Avoid overuse

Since this is an idiom, use it sparingly to maintain its impact. Overusing it may sound unnatural.

Word Origin

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.

Usage Notes

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.

Word Breakdown

cut

to stop or interrupt

verb

to the chase

directly to the main action or topic

prepositional phrase

English Dictionary

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