Meaning: This idiom means to get to the point or the most important part of something without wasting time on unnecessary details.
Usage in Example Sentences:
- “We don’t have much time for this meeting, so let’s cut to the chase and discuss the main issue.”
- “He gave a long introduction, but I wish he would have just cut to the chase.”
- “Instead of going through all the background information, she cut to the chase and told us what we needed to know.”
Origin: The origin of the idiom “cut to the chase” comes from the early days of filmmaking, particularly in silent films. Many movies included lengthy build-ups to dramatic or action-packed chase scenes. Audience members and filmmakers alike would sometimes grow impatient with the slow pacing, leading to the desire to “cut to the chase” and get to the exciting part of the film. Over time, this phrase became a common expression for getting directly to the important or interesting part of any discussion or activity.
