ENGLISH
REFERENCE

cut one's losses

idiom
Meaning

To stop an activity that is unsuccessful to avoid losing more money.


Examples
SIMPLE

The business is failing, so it is time to cut our losses.

CONTEXTUAL

After spending hundreds of dollars on the old car, he decided to cut his losses and sell it for parts.

COMPLEX

The board of directors realized the project would never be profitable, so they chose to cut their losses before the company's debt increased further.

Last updated July 14, 2026