# cut to the chase

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/cut-to-the-chase
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To get to the point; to get on with it; to state something directly.

## Examples

- Please cut to the chase and tell me what happened.
- The meeting was running late, so the manager asked everyone to cut to the chase.
- Tired of his colleague's endless preamble, he interrupted politely but firmly: 'Could you cut to the chase and explain what this proposal actually costs?'

## Origin

From cinema usage: to cut (edit a film) so as to get to the exciting part. Also, preceded by Chaucer c.1400, "The Wife of Bath's Tale"- "And shortly forth this tale for to chace" (To cut a long story short).

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.