cut down
To insult, to belittle.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Do not cut down your friends when they make mistakes.”
“The manager often tries to cut down his employees during meetings to show his own authority.”
“Despite his outward charm, he frequently used sharp words to cut down those he perceived as threats to his social standing.”
- 01
clear cut
Straightforward, obvious, simple, or basic.
- 02
cut a dash
To make a display of oneself; to give a conspicuous impression.
- 03
cut a deal
To reach a negotiated agreement.
- 04
cut a figure
To present an image; to make an impression.
- 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.
- 06
cut a swath
Alternative form of cut a wide swath.
- 07
cut a wide swath
To behave in an expansive, flagrantly showy, or pushy manner, especially in public venues; to exert sweeping influence.
- 08
cut about
To go around (move from person to person).
Last updated August 10, 2026