C
Idioms beginning with "C"
Part of speech, explanation, example sentences, pronunciation
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Contents of C:
[cut back] {v.}
1. To change direction suddenly while going at full speed.
The halfback started to his left, cut back to his right, and ran for a touchdown.
2. To use fewer or use less.
* /After the big job was finished, the builder cut back the […]
[cut both ways] or [cut two ways] {v. phr.}
To have two effects; cause injury to both sides.
People who gossip find it cuts both ways.
[cut corners] {v. phr.}
1. To take a short way; not go to each corner.
He cut corners going home in a hurry.
2. To save cost or effort; manage in a thrifty way; be saving.
John's father asked him to cut corners all he could in college.
3. […]
[cut down] {v.}
To lessen; reduce; limit.
Tom had to cut down expenses.
The doctor told Mr. Jones to cut down on smoking.
[cut down to size] {v. phr.}, {informal}
To prove that someone is not as good as he thinks.
The big boy told John he could beat him, but John was a good boxer and soon cut him down to size.
Syn.: [PUT IN ONE'S PLACE].
[cut ice] {v. phr.}, {informal}
To make a difference; make an impression; be accepted as important. — Usually used in negative, interrogative, or conditional sentences.
When Frank had found a movie he liked, what others said cut no ice with him.
* […]
[cut in] {v.}
1. To force your way into a place between others in a line of cars, people, etc.; push in.
After passing several cars, Fred cut in too soon and nearly caused an accident.
- Often used with "on".
* /A car passed Jean and cut in on […]
[cut into] {v.}
1. To make less; reduce.
The union made the company pay higher wages, which cut into the profits.
The other houses got old and shabby, and that cut into the value of his house.
* /At first Smith led in votes, but more votes […]
[cut loose] {v.}
1. To free from ties or connections, cut the fastenings of.
The thief hastily cut the boat loose from its anchor.
Compare: [LET LOOSE] (1a).
2. {informal}
To break away from control; get away and be free.
* /The boy left home […]
[cut no ice] {v. phr.}
To have no effect; achieve no result; be insignificant.
The fact that the accused is a millionaire will cut no ice with this particular judge.