# cut across

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cut-across
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. to take a shortcut

phrasal verb · CEFR B1

to go across a space like a park or a field to save time instead of staying on the main path.

For teachers: to traverse a specific area or space to create a shorter route than the established path.

- We decided to cut across the park to get to the station faster.
- The hikers chose to cut across the meadow rather than following the winding trail, hoping to reach the summit before the storm arrived.

Usage: The verb is transitive and requires a noun phrase representing the area being crossed.

### 2. to affect different groups

phrasal verb · CEFR B2

to affect or involve many different groups of people, regardless of their differences.

For teachers: to transcend or span across different social, political, or conceptual boundaries.

- The need for clean water is an issue that cuts across all political parties.
- The economic crisis was a systemic failure that cut across all sectors of society, affecting both the wealthy elite and the working class.

Usage: Often used with abstract nouns like 'boundaries', 'lines', or 'classes'.

## Examples

- We can cut across the park to get home faster.
- The new tax law will cut across all social classes, affecting both the rich and the poor.
- The architect designed a series of glass walkways that cut across the central atrium, connecting the two wings of the gallery.

## Usage notes

- Teaching tip: distinguish between the literal movement sense and the figurative 'transcend' sense; the figurative use is common in political and academic discussions.

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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.