swath

cut a swath/swathe through something

to cause a lot of destruction, death, or harm in a particular place or among a particular group of people. Violent electrical storms cut a swath through parts of the South yesterday. The AIDS epidemic has already cut a swath through the fashion industry.

See also: cut, through

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cut a (wide) swath

1. to cause a lot of destruction, death, or harm in a particular place. Violent thunderstorms cut a swath of destruction through the area, blowing down trees and damaging houses.

2. to attract a lot of interest or attention. The two beautiful sisters cut a wide swath through our little town, and every male wanted to take them out. The new game is unusually inventive and has cut a wide swath in the video game market.

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of swath (= a line or strip of grass that has been cut)

See also: cut