cut to the chase
phrase
informal
: to go directly to the important part of a story, argument, or discussion : to get to the point
She urged him to skip the details and cut to the chase.
… you try to make small talk, ease into the interview, but Hair quickly cuts to the chase.—
John Lancaster
John LancasterNote: This phrase is from filmmaking jargon, in which cutting to the chase is quickly transitioning to a scene that features a chase or is otherwise especially exciting or interesting.
Examples of cut to the chase in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Like his wife, Imler is plainspoken and believes in cutting to the chase.
—
Melanie Thernstrom,
New Yorker,
29 June 2026
To cut to the chase, our experts say your towels and sheets should not be washed together or with other items like clothes.
—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
29 June 2026
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Melanie Thernstrom,
New Yorker,
29 June 2026
To cut to the chase, our experts say your towels and sheets should not be washed together or with other items like clothes.
—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
29 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cut to the chase.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cut%20to%20the%20chase. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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