cut somebody to the quick

cut (one) to the quick

1. To slice a part of the body very deeply. Be careful—one slip of that knife and you'll cut yourself to the quick. I guess he didn't cut himself to the quick after all—the doctor says he doesn't need stitches. Hey, get away from there—that saw could cut you to the quick!

2. To strike the deepest, most fragile part of one. Typically used to describe emotional wounds. I can't even look at her right now—that hurtful remark cut me right to the quick. Even though the comments cut me to the quick, I remained composed and carried on with the lecture. Do not question her ability to parent—that will definitely cut her to the quick.

See also: cut, quick, to

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

cut somebody to the ˈquick

hurt somebody’s feelings; offend somebody deeply: It cut her to the quick to hear him criticizing her family like that.

The quick is the soft, sensitive flesh that is under your nails.

See also: cut, quick, somebody, to

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