# cut a wide swath

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/cut-a-wide-swath
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To behave in an expansive, flagrantly showy, or pushy manner, especially in public venues; to exert sweeping influence.

## Examples

- He likes to cut a wide swath at every party he attends.
- The new executive arrived at the office and immediately began to cut a wide swath through the existing company culture.
- By dominating the conversation and dismissing his colleagues' ideas, the ambitious politician managed to cut a wide swath across the entire committee.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.