cut across
phrasal verb·2 senses·particle across
Meanings
Take a shorter route by going through a place
Why “across”? Movement goes from one side of a space to the other.
“We cut across the park to save time.”
“Mia cut across the field after school.”
Affect different groups in the same way despite differences
Why “across”? A line touches many categories, places, or groups at once.
“The issue cuts across party lines.”
“The new rule cuts across age groups.”
Don't confuse with
Cut across means take a shorter route by going through a place. Cut back means reduce sharply, especially expenditure.
Test yourself
“We cut across the park to save time.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
cut back
A contrast learners often mix up
Reduce sharply, especially expenditure; Reduce the amount of something, especially spending
drive across
Same across pattern: crossing
Cross a place in a vehicle
get across
Same across pattern: crossing
Successfully communicate an idea; Reach the other side of a place or barrier
go across
Same across pattern: crossing
Move from one side of a place to the other
range across
Same across pattern: across groups
Include many different areas or groups
reach across
Same across pattern: across groups
Try to connect with people in another group
spread across
Same across pattern: across groups
Become present in many places or groups
walk across
Same across pattern: crossing
Cross a place on foot
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