cut off talks

USAGE SUMMARY

'cut off talks' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express abruptly terminating a conversation or negotiations, usually due to disagreement or impatience. For example, "After arguing for three hours, the two parties decided to cut off talks until they could find a way to come to an agreement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

No one, whether in Brussels or Ankara, is ready to cut off talks.

The Guardian - Opinion

China had cut off talks and threatened further action until the captain was released.

The New Yorker

He cut off talks with the International Monetary Fund after Argentina defaulted on $95 billion in foreign debts.

The New York Times

When Southampton cut off talks with Stony Brook in 2004 and affiliated with New York-Presbyterian, Mr. LaValle said, he predicted it would not last.

The New York Times

"He has until Sunday," said General Manager Mike Milbury, who cut off talks with Chara on Friday, the first day of training camp.

The New York Times - Sports

THE NEWSGeneral Motors said it would shut down its Saturn division by next year after Roger Penske cut off talks to acquire the brand.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

We don't cut off talking about work when we leave work.

Huffington Post

Harrison and his adherents were unimpressed by McKinley's conduct, recalling that he had cut off talk of a candidacy in 1888, but had not done so in 1892.

Wikipedia

Table 1 Transcription guide EK:, L1, L2 European kitchen, Learner 1, Learner 2 [ Overlapping speech - An abrupt cut off ((talk)) Non-verbal actions produced by kitchen or learners <> talk produced slowly a very short pause //help available// Sound to indicate help is available made by the kitchen HT Help Tool °talk ° Talk is quieter than the surrounding talk ?

Smart Learning Environments

Wondaland was performing "Hell You Talmbout," a protest song, when Monáe was effectively silenced by having the microphone cut off and being talked over by a Today Show anchor just as she was saying, "We will not be silenced".

Huffington Post

FOOTBALL Westbrook Ends Talks The Pro Bowl running back Brian Westbrook cut off contract talks with the Philadelphia Eagles yesterday because the sides were far apart on a long-term extension.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cut off talks", ensure it's clear who is ending the discussions and why. Providing context enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "cut off talks" when you mean a temporary suspension or postponement. "Cut off talks" implies a more definitive end, while a pause suggests a continuation is possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cut off talks" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of abruptly ending discussions or negotiations. This is supported by Ludwig AI which identifies the phrase as grammatically correct and usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

14%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

6%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cut off talks" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes the abrupt termination of discussions or negotiations. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it’s appropriate for use across diverse contexts, though most commonly found in News & Media. When choosing alternative phrases, consider the nuance you want to convey, whether it's a temporary pause ("suspend dialogue") or a more definitive end ("break off discussions"). While generally neutral in register, more formal options like "terminate discussions" may be preferred in certain professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

end negotiations

This alternative is more formal and focuses specifically on the cessation of formal discussions aimed at reaching an agreement.

cease negotiations

This is a more formal synonym for ending negotiations, often used in legal or official contexts.

terminate discussions

This is a formal way of saying that talks have been brought to an end.

suspend dialogue

This suggests a temporary halt to communication, often with the intention of resuming at a later time.

call off talks

This implies that the talks were planned but then canceled, often due to unforeseen circumstances or a change of heart.

break off discussions

This implies a more abrupt and potentially permanent end to the talks.

put an end to discussions

This is a more emphatic way of saying that discussions have been terminated, often suggesting a sense of finality.

halt communication

This is a broader term that covers any form of communication, not just formal talks.

discontinue dialogue

This suggests a more gradual and deliberate cessation of the dialogue process.

abandon negotiations

This suggests a complete and often unwilling cessation of the negotiation process, usually due to a lack of progress or agreement.

FAQs

What does "cut off talks" mean?

The phrase "cut off talks" means to abruptly end discussions or negotiations, usually due to disagreement or frustration.

How can I use "cut off talks" in a sentence?

You might say, "The company decided to "end negotiations" and "cut off talks" after the other party refused to compromise".

What are some alternatives to "cut off talks"?

Alternatives include "break off discussions", "suspend dialogue", or "terminate discussions", depending on the context.

Is "cut off talks" formal or informal?

"Cut off talks" is suitable for both neutral and slightly informal contexts. For highly formal situations, consider using "cease negotiations" or "terminate discussions".