cut to the quick

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cut to the quick" is a correct and commonly used idiom in written English.
It means to deeply wound or hurt someone emotionally. Example: After her best friend betrayed her, Sally felt like she had been cut to the quick.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

They cut to the quick of our basic condition.

The Guardian - Books

Hugo Speer is excellent, especially when cut to the quick.

The Guardian

So, let's cut to the quick, you're backing the Great City Race.

The Guardian - Sport

Let's cut to the quick: we have not been history's most mature generation.

The New York Times

With their sharp colours and bleeding forms, Howard's paintings certainly cut to the quick.

The Guardian - Arts

To cut to the quick, Priestly-style, dungarees have gone mainstream.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

"It was that straight, cut-to-the-quick attitude that I really liked".

The New York Times

Your insults cut to the quick--you rouse my fighting blood!" Up he sprang, cloak and all, and seized a discus, huge and heavy, more weighty by far than those the Phaeacians used to hurl and test each other.

Huffington Post

Terror cuts to the quick: it is connected to life and quickness through technology" (21).

Johns Hopkins University

That cuts to the quick.

The New York Times - Books

But eventually, he cuts to the quick.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cut to the quick" when you want to express that someone or something has caused deep emotional pain or has addressed a sensitive topic directly and effectively.

Common error

Avoid using "cut to the quick" in contexts referring to physical harm or speed. It strictly conveys emotional impact or directness in addressing a matter, not literal cutting or haste.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "cut to the quick" is as an idiomatic expression, acting as a verb phrase to describe causing deep emotional pain or directly addressing a central issue. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples of usage in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Arts

20%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the idiom "cut to the quick" is a common expression used to convey a deep emotional wound or to describe directly addressing a central issue. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage and provides numerous examples across various contexts, including news, arts, and lifestyle. It's crucial to use it when emphasizing emotional impact rather than literal actions, as demonstrated by the diverse range of examples available. The phrase holds a neutral register, fitting both formal and informal writing, making it a versatile tool for expressing impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wound deeply

Focuses on the emotional injury inflicted.

strike at the heart

Emphasizes the core of one's emotions being affected.

sting sharply

Highlights the sudden, painful impact of the words or actions.

touch a raw nerve

Indicates sensitivity to a particular issue.

cause great distress

Describes the general feeling of upset and sorrow.

affect profoundly

Highlights the significant and lasting emotional effect.

hit home

Emphasizes a personally relevant and impactful message.

get to the heart of the matter

Focuses on the directness of addressing a central point.

go straight to the point

Emphasizes efficiency and lack of circumlocution in communication.

address the core issue

Highlights a specific problem, and offers a solution.

FAQs

How can I use "cut to the quick" in a sentence?

You can use "cut to the quick" to describe something that deeply hurts someone's feelings or addresses a central issue directly. For example, "Her harsh words cut him to the quick", or "The analysis cut to the quick of the problem".

What does "cut to the quick" mean?

The idiom "cut to the quick" means to deeply wound someone emotionally or to get to the most important part of something quickly and directly. It implies a sharp, often painful, impact.

What are some alternatives to "cut to the quick" when referring to emotional impact?

When referring to emotional impact, alternatives to "cut to the quick" include "wound deeply", "sting sharply", or "strike at the heart".

Is "cut to the quick" formal or informal?

"Cut to the quick" is generally considered a neutral idiom that can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it's more common in writing than in very casual speech. The appropriateness depends on the specific situation.