Phrasal Verb - Cutting Across
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.Definition
The phrasal verb 'cut across' primarily has two main meanings:
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To take a shorter route or path, often by passing through an area rather than going around it. This implies efficiency and directness, sometimes at the expense of established paths or boundaries. For instance, walking across a field instead of following the designated road to save time.
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To affect, be relevant to, or extend over different groups, categories, or areas; to transcend boundaries or divisions. This meaning suggests that an issue, phenomenon, or characteristic is not confined to one particular segment but impacts or is observed across various segments of a population, society, or discipline. It implies broad applicability or interconnectedness, often highlighting commonalities or shared experiences despite superficial differences. It can also refer to something that goes against or challenges conventional divisions, sometimes implying a disruptive or unifying influence.
Examples
| No. | Example |
|---|---|
| 1 | We decided to cut across the park to save a few minutes on our walk home. |
| 2 | The new company policy aims to cut across traditional departmental silos and foster greater collaboration. |
| 3 | He always cuts across the lawn, even though there's a perfectly good paved path. |
| 4 | Issues of climate change truly cut across national borders and economic classes, affecting everyone. |
| 5 | If you cut across the construction site, be extremely careful of the heavy machinery. |
| 6 | Her research on digital literacy cuts across education, technology, and social studies disciplines. |
| 7 | To avoid the heavy morning traffic, we often cut across the quiet residential back roads. |
| 8 | The appeal of that classic rock band genuinely cuts across different generations, from teenagers to seniors. |
| 9 | Instead of following the winding river trail, they opted to cut across the narrow ridge. |
| 10 | The problem of misinformation cuts across all forms of media, from social platforms to traditional news outlets. |