ENGLISH
REFERENCE

cut and thrust

idiom
Meaning

The use of vehement arguments.


Origin

disputed origin

A metaphor referring to swordplay.

Examples
SIMPLE

They enjoy the cut and thrust of a good debate.

CONTEXTUAL

The committee meeting was intense, filled with the cut and thrust of competing ideas and sharp arguments.

COMPLEX

He thrived in the cut and thrust of the courtroom, where every word served as a calculated move against his opponent.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    clear cut

    Straightforward, obvious, simple, or basic.

  2. 02

    cut a dash

    To make a display of oneself; to give a conspicuous impression.

  3. 03

    cut a deal

    To reach a negotiated agreement.

  4. 04

    cut a figure

    To present an image; to make an impression.

  5. 05

    cut a rug

    To dance, especially in a vigorous manner and in one of the dance styles of the first half of the twentieth century.

  6. 06

    cut a swath

    Alternative form of cut a wide swath.

  7. 07

    cut a wide swath

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

  8. 08

    cut about

    To go around (move from person to person).

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