cut glass

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cut glass" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is very sharp or precise, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "Her voice was so clear and sharp, it could cut glass."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Freshly cut glass knives with cutting edge of 45° were used to get the cryosections of 50-nm thickness.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Glass and ceramic cutters actually use a "scratch" to break (i.e. cut) glass.

WikiHow

Not "a mouthful of cut glass".

The New Yorker

Cut glass, fresh flowers, how civilised.

The Guardian - Travel

It was like looking through a cut glass chandelier.

The New York Times

Cut glass, glassware characterized by a series of facets on its surface produced by cutting.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Very white, too, its walls and floors made of hand-cut glass tiles.

The New York Times - Travel

Contributing to the ornateness of it all are rows of gem-cut glass vitrines housing Mr. Atwood's latest fancies.

The New York Times

The cut-glass voice.

The New Yorker

The caller had a cut-glass accent.

The Guardian - Opinion

Cut-glass bowls glow from within.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the qualities of "cut glass", consider specifying the pattern or design to provide more detail.

Common error

Avoid using "cut glass" literally when a figurative meaning, such as sharpness or precision, is intended. Ensure the context clearly supports the intended metaphorical interpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cut glass" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often used to describe a specific type of glassware characterized by its decorative facets. Ludwig shows that this phrase can also be used adjectivally, modifying other nouns such as "chandelier" or "windows".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cut glass" is a noun phrase referring to glassware with decorative facets, as determined by Ludwig. It's also used metaphorically to suggest sharpness or precision. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and primarily used in news and media contexts, with a neutral to formal register. While there are related phrases like "faceted glass", and "engraved glass", "cut glass" is unique in its specific reference to the decorative cutting technique on glass. When using the term, be sure to consider whether a literal or figurative meaning is intended to ensure clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

faceted glass

Focuses on the physical attribute of having facets.

engraved glass

Highlights the process of engraving rather than cutting.

decorated glass

A more general term for glass with any kind of decoration.

crystal glassware

Specifies the material and the type of item.

beveled glass

Refers to a specific type of edge cut, which is a subset of "cut glass".

ground glass

Focuses on the finishing of the surface.

etched glass

Highlights the etching process rather than cutting.

pressed glass

Describes a different manufacturing technique to achieve similar decorative results.

crafted glass

Emphasizes the artistry involved in making glass items.

shaped glass

A broad term encompassing various methods of forming glass.

FAQs

How is "cut glass" typically used in a sentence?

"Cut glass" can be used to describe glassware with decorative facets or, metaphorically, to describe something sharp or precise. For example: "The tables are set with cut-glass salt cellars."

What are some synonyms for "cut glass"?

Alternatives to "cut glass" include "faceted glass", "engraved glass", or "crystal glassware", depending on the specific aspect you wish to emphasize.

When is it appropriate to use "cut glass" metaphorically?

Use "cut glass" metaphorically to describe something with sharp, clear, or precise qualities, such as a "cut-glass voice" or a "cut-glass accent".

What is the difference between "cut glass" and crystal?

"Cut glass" refers to the decorative technique applied to glass, while crystal refers to a type of glass that contains minerals, giving it a higher refractive index. "Cut glass" can be made from crystal, but not all "cut glass" is crystal.