Phrasal verb
cut about
Definition
phrasal verb. to move around from place to place, usually in a hurry or without a clear plan. You use this when you are busy going to different spots in a town or area.
phrasal verb. to move or travel around a location, often rapidly or aimlessly. The verb is intransitive and predominantly used in British English informal register.
Examples
“We spent the afternoon cutting about the shops.”
“He spent his youth cutting about the streets of London with his friends before moving away.”
“The documentary follows several couriers as they spend their shifts cutting about the congested city centre on bicycles.”
Examples
simple
“We spent the afternoon cutting about the shops.”
contextual
“He spent his youth cutting about the streets of London with his friends before moving away.”
complex
“The documentary follows several couriers as they spend their shifts cutting about the congested city centre on bicycles.”
Usage
This phrase is common in British English and usually describes someone being busy or active in a specific area.
Teaching tip
Contrast with 'cut across' to show how the particle 'about' suggests movement in various directions rather than a straight line.
Pitfall
I need to cut about this cake for the guests.
I need to cut up this cake for the guests.
'cut about' refers to physical movement through an area, not dividing an object into pieces.
Phrasal verb
Particles
about
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
cut + about
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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