cut the umbilical cord
To end a child's overdependence on or overattachment to their parents.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“It is time for him to cut the umbilical cord and live alone.”
“His mother still pays all his bills, but he needs to cut the umbilical cord to become a responsible adult.”
“Although the transition to university was difficult, the student eventually cut the umbilical cord and began to manage his own affairs with newfound independence.”
- 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