cut straight through

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cut straight through" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that goes directly through an object or situation without any deviation or obstruction. Example: "The knife cut straight through the thick piece of meat with ease."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

It cut straight through, like a battering ram.

The New York Times

Her music seems to cut straight through to the heart.

The Guardian - Music

Out the window three parallel lines cut straight through the landscape.

The New York Times - Travel

The combination of dark brown hair and troubled, navy blue eyes cut straight through many a masculine heart.

The Guardian

Mark had ridden it once, on a giant day at Sunset Beach, where he found that it cut straight through the chop on the face of the waves.

The New Yorker

The dress I had on was black with slashes of white, as if someone had cut straight through the material and exposed the lining.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

What I began to understand about the learning disabled aesthetic is that it cuts straight through to the main issue.

The Guardian

But this planned highway includes a potentially tragic pitfall: it cuts straight through the heart of the northern Serengeti, one of the greatest national parks on the planet.

The New York Times

It may prove an inspired gamble that energises the Tory base with a simple offer that cuts straight through to the ballot box.

The Guardian - Opinion

The 50 miles of asphalt running between Nyala and the neighboring town of Kas, which cuts straight through a Terjem stronghold, have become bandit boulevard.

The New York Times

Sometimes, and more scarily, she is more like Bad Girls Shell Dockleyy, a baby-faced blonde with a psychopathic streak that cuts straight through her soul.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cut straight through" to convey a sense of directness and lack of obstruction. It's effective in both literal (physical) and figurative (emotional or strategic) contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "cut straight through" in abstract contexts where a more nuanced verb would be appropriate. For example, instead of saying "His argument cut straight through the issue", consider using "His argument clarified the issue" to avoid sounding overly forceful or simplistic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cut straight through" primarily functions as a phrasal verb, indicating a direct and unimpeded passage or penetration. Ludwig AI affirms this usage, providing examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "cut straight through" is a versatile expression used to convey a direct and unimpeded passage, both literally and figuratively. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly found in various sources, particularly News & Media and Wiki. Its neutral register makes it suitable for a range of contexts, though it's advisable to avoid overuse in overly abstract scenarios. Alternative phrases like "pierce directly" or "go right through" can offer nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pierce directly

Focuses on the action of penetrating something directly.

go right through

Emphasizes the act of passing completely through something.

penetrate without deviation

Highlights the lack of any change in direction during the act of passing through.

pass cleanly through

Indicates a smooth and unhindered passage.

slice right through

Suggests a sharp and swift passage, often with a cutting action.

bore through directly

Implies creating a hole or tunnel in a straight line.

traverse unimpeded

Highlights the lack of obstacles during the passage.

bisect directly

Focuses on dividing something into two equal parts with a straight line.

move unswervingly through

Emphasizes the steadfastness and lack of deviation in movement.

force a direct passage

Implies using power or strength to create a clear path.

FAQs

How can I use "cut straight through" in a sentence?

You can use "cut straight through" to describe something that passes directly and unimpeded through something else, like "The new highway "cuts straight through" the mountains" or figuratively, "Her words "cut straight through" his defenses".

What are some alternatives to "cut straight through"?

Alternatives to "cut straight through" include "pierce directly", "go right through", or "slice right through", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "cut straight through" metaphorically?

Yes, "cut straight through" can be used metaphorically to describe something that directly and effectively addresses or impacts something else, such as an argument that "cuts straight through" the complexities of a problem.

What's the difference between "cut straight through" and "break through"?

"Cut straight through" implies a direct and unimpeded passage, while "break through" suggests overcoming resistance or an obstacle. For example, a knife might "cut straight through" butter, but soldiers might "break through" enemy lines.