cut (someone or something) to (someone or something)
To slice or chop something into a particular state (such as "shreds" or "bits"). Sharks cut their prey to shreds with their razor-sharp teeth. Kids, get away from the broken window—all that glass could cut you to ribbons! Ow! Filing all this paperwork is cutting my hands to pieces!
cut to (someone or something)
1. To swiftly undermine one's or an argument. As in the first usage, "to" is typically followed by a particular state, such as "shreds" or "bits." If you make this argument, an experienced lawyer will cut you to shreds. You better find another angle for your argument because an experienced lawyer will cut this one to bits. I'm not surprised Mom and Dad cut your argument to shreds. Listen, there's nothing you can say that will convince them to change your curfew to midnight.
2. In film, TV, or video editing, to abruptly interrupt a sequence in order to show something else. I was watching the football game when they cut to breaking news about the wildfire. Of course they cut to the president's address—they always preempt my soap operas with world events! I hate when networks suddenly cut to beeping tests of the emergency alert system.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
cut someone or something to something
1. Lit. to chop or slice up someone or something, especially to bits or pieces. The chef cut the carrots to bite-size pieces. The lawn mower will cut you to bits if you get under it.
2. Fig. to destroy an argument; to destroy someone's argument. The lawyer heard her argument and cut her to bits. She cut the argument to pieces.
cut to someone or something
to shift the radio, movie, or television audience's attention abruptly to someone or something new. Suddenly, the engineer cut to the announcer. The technical director cut to a remote unit that was covering an accident. The camera cut to scenes of Atlanta burning.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.