ENGLISH
REFERENCE

cut up

idiom
Meaning

To distress mentally or emotionally.


Examples
SIMPLE

She was really cut up about the bad news.

CONTEXTUAL

He was so cut up after losing his job that he did not leave his house for a week.

COMPLEX

Although she tried to maintain a composed exterior, it was evident that she remained deeply cut up by the sudden and unexpected departure of her closest colleague.

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).

Last updated April 17, 2026