cut out
phrasal verb·2 senses·particle out
Meanings
Remove by cutting
Why “out”? Pushing outward to eliminate. What is removed is sent away.
“Cut out the paper shape along the dotted line.”
“Cut the coupon out of the paper.”
Stop eating, using, or doing something completely
“The doctor told him to cut out sugary drinks.”
“I cut out late-night gaming so I could sleep.”
Don't confuse with
Cut out means remove something by cutting. Cut up means cut something into small pieces.
Test yourself
“Cut out the paper shape along the dotted line.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
cut up
A contrast learners often mix up
Cut something into smaller pieces; Make someone deeply upset or distressed; Behave in a wild or noisy way to attract attention; Overtake another driver suddenly and dangerously
burn out
Same out pattern: removal
Become exhausted from overwork; (of a fire) Stop burning because there is no fuel left; (of an electrical device) Stop working because of overheating; Destroy a building or vehicle by fire
cash out
Same out pattern: removal
Take money from an account or investment
chuck out
Same out pattern: removal
Discard something
clean out
Same out pattern: removal
Remove the contents of a place and clean it thoroughly
clear out
Same out pattern: removal
Tidy by removing things you don't need
cross out
Same out pattern: removal
Mark for deletion
ease out
Same out pattern: removal
Make someone leave a job or position gradually
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